Somaliland Justice system, democracy and the imprisonment of Boqor Raabi
The international community at large shares an identical vision with regards the definition of justice system and democracy, but it appears it have diverse classification. Below is a simple proof for what I said on the above. This week a court in Hargeisa has sentenced two years jail imprisonment a famous traditional leader (Boqor Raabi) reason being, he was travelled to Mogdisho without permission from the Somaliland government and secondly, he was engaged activities against Somaliland proclaiming that is a traditional leader for some parts of Somalia.
These two claims were reported by the judge the judge who announced the jail sentences. Let us evaluate if both the cases accused against is true if though Boqor Raabi has never admitted both the accusations. In the first place, do we need a permission permit from democratic country understood of possessing proper constitution? Everyone common sense indicates the answer not at all. Secondly, Mogadishu was the capital of Somalia, which thousands of Somalilanders invested hundreds of millions of Dollars until 1991.
Additional many somalilanders have already has departed to Mogdisho on business opportunities and the possibility of many more may follow suit soon. Secondly, is there a country whereby someone is punished due to his/her ideology?. Appraising these two facts, it appears that Somaliland justice system and level of democracy is open to discussion and disputed. Considering the two above cases, Raabi was jailed other purpose other the one declared by the judge.
We are all aware the difficult circumstances that is circling us and the time Somalilander is expected to be united, these types of justice is paving the way dividing us in view of the pressure by the international community to unit with greater Somalia. Some people may not like this, but this is the reality, which we have to stand against and the continuity of these injustice will lead us a further deterioration. At the time that we are anticipated to lay to rest on our difference, this type of injustice will initiate further divisions between us.
Every is aware that we have entered discussion with a deep rooted president Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud on separation issue, who is supported by world influential powers. In view of all above realities, Boqor Raabi should be released without delay. This few is shared with me by a fast majority of Somalilanders starching from Awdel to Sanaag and even some national parties, as noticed by every body through the media.
Ismail Ismail.