Mass Demonstrations Held in Hargeysa and Buroa

Wednesday's demostration in Hargeysa (Photo: courtesy sdwo.com)

Hargeysa, Somaliland, September 15, 2007 (SL Times) – Qaran party officials organized spectacular public demonstrations in Hargeysa and Buroa on Wednesday calling for the release of their leaders detained in Mandhera prison.

Both demonstrations were held spontaneously at the same time in the two biggest regional capitals in the country. The Hargeysa and Buroa demonstrations attracted over 500 people who carried placards and banners calling for the release of their party leaders. Some of the slogans were directed at the current high food prices which have recently hit the country.

Wednesday's demostration in Buroa (Photo: courtesy sdwo.com)

The two demonstrations were unique in Somaliland because they seemed to be well organized. There were no incidents of trouble or looting which is a common phenomenon in demonstrations. The leaders of Qaran used loud speakers to address the crowds who were beating drums and whistles and chanting the release of the Qaran leaders.

The police in Hargeysa were unusually relaxed and seemed to be enjoying the bellowing drums and whistles of the crowds. A SL Times reporter managed to get ‘off the record’ comments from Hargeysa police department commanders monitoring the demonstration.

Hargeysa demostration

One commander who did not want to be named said, “the high command issued orders to the police department to disperse the crowds and put a stop to the demonstration because the organizers did not get a permit to hold a public demonstration, therefore, it was illegal, nonetheless, many of the police officers were reluctant to take any firm action against the demonstrators because they themselves feel that the president is out of order, and the current high costs of basic foodstuffs has made them disgruntled with the way the government is handling of the political and economic situation in the country”.

Another high ranking officer who also preferred that his name remain undisclosed said, “the president is doing harm to himself by not releasing Qaran leaders as he agreed and promised last month to the arbitration committee”.

Hargeysa demostration

Furthermore, the press conference held by the arbitration committee on Tuesday, generated a lot of discussion among the population in Hargeisa and probably got many people who were not initially involved in the Qaran demonstration to take part.

Hargeysa demostration

Source: Somaliland Times