Garowe, PUNTLAND – Speaking at the 54th session of the Puntland Parliament, President Said Abdullahi Deni strongly condemned the Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) decision to force the exhumation of thousands of graves at the Police Academy Cemetery in Mogadishu. In a passionate appeal, he called upon President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to demonstrate compassion for the dead and questioned the government’s priorities in targeting such a small piece of land when the entire country is at its disposal.
Puntland President Deni’s powerful words, “I say to President Hassan Sheikh to have compassion to the dead,” underscored the deep sense of outrage and sorrow felt by many Somalis over the government’s decision to desecrate the final resting place of thousands of individuals, including many who served in the country’s armed forces. The Puntland leader’s appeal for compassion and respect for the deceased highlights the cultural and religious significance of burial sites and the importance of preserving the dignity of those who have passed away.
The FGS’s insistence on exhuming the graves at the Police Academy Cemetery has been met with widespread condemnation from the public, religious leaders, and opposition figures, who view the move as a callous disregard for the sentiments of the bereaved families and a violation of Islamic principles that call for the protection and veneration of burial sites. Puntland President Deni’s strong stance on the issue reflects the growing anger and frustration among Somalis over the government’s handling of the matter and its apparent lack of sensitivity to the emotional and psychological impact of its actions on the affected families.
Abundance of Alternative Land
Puntland President Deni’s questioning of the government’s need to retake such a small piece of land when it has the entire country at its disposal strikes at the heart of the controversy surrounding the Police Academy Cemetery. His statement, “There is no lack of land; the whole country is the government’s land,” underscores the apparent absurdity of the government’s fixation on this particular site and raises serious questions about its priorities and decision-making process.
Somalia is a vast country with abundant land resources that could be utilized for various development projects and public purposes without the need to disturb the dead. The government’s insistence on targeting the Police Academy Cemetery, despite the availability of alternative sites, suggests a deeper political or economic motive that goes beyond the stated need for land for defense purposes.
Moreover, the FGS’s focus on this small piece of land at a time when the country is grappling with numerous critical challenges, such as insecurity, political instability, and economic hardship, highlights the misplaced priorities of the current administration. The government’s willingness to expend time, resources, and political capital on this controversial issue, while neglecting more pressing concerns, has further eroded public trust and confidence in its leadership and decision-making capabilities.
Respect for Human Dignity
Puntland President Deni’s condemnation of the FGS’s actions in Mogadishu is a reminder of the need for accountability and respect for human dignity in Somalia’s governance. The government’s decision to desecrate the Police Academy Cemetery, despite widespread public outcry and the availability of alternative land, is a disturbing example of the abuse of power and the disregard for the rights and sentiments of the Somali people.
To address this issue, the FGS must be held accountable for its actions and be compelled to reverse its decision to exhume the graves at the cemetery. The government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to respecting the cultural and religious values of the Somali people and engaging in a more consultative and inclusive decision-making process that takes into account the views and concerns of all stakeholders.
Furthermore, there is a need for a broader public dialogue on the role of government in safeguarding the rights and dignity of its citizens, both living and deceased. The desecration of the Police Academy Cemetery is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a deeper malaise in Somalia’s governance, one that prioritizes narrow political and economic interests over the well-being and sentiments of the people.
