Somaliland condemns their own killing of a distinguished Somali poet Jama Kediye. The Ministry of Defence of the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland issued an appalling statement condemning the murder of the renowned Somali poet, whom the Somaliland forces killed a day earlier.
Hargeisa, Somaliland, SOMALIA. By Yahya:
“The Ministry of Defence of Somaliland deeply regrets to announce the tragic assassination of the distinguished poet Jamac Kediye, a beloved figure in our nation’s cultural heritage,” the statement begins. “It is with heavy hearts that we report his untimely death at the hands of a notorious terrorist group yesterday [Wednesday] in Las Anod,” the press release continues without specifying details about the alleged terrorist group. The Ministry also didn’t provide any evidence to support their claims.
The statement sharply contrasts with reports the Somali Digest received from Las Anod on the day of Mr Kediye’s death. According to reliable sources, the Somaliland army bombarded the city that day, hitting Mr Kediye’s car and causing the death of the prominent poet. It wasn’t the only death that the indiscriminate Somaliland shelling recently caused. Six other civilians were killed earlier this week, including another prominent elder, 85-year-old Jama Digale.
The recently-established SSC-Khatumo administration swiftly responded with its own press release, calling Somaliland’s statement ‘fictitious’. “Their statement is as cruel as it is untrue and is a testimony to the moral bankruptcy of [Somaliland’s President] Muse Bihi and his brutal administration.” SSC-Khatumo further called on “all peace-loving people and friends of Somalia to condemn this murderous regime and put an end to Somaliland’s futile campaign to repress the people of SSC using gratuitous violence.”
PM condemns the killing; Villa Somalia silent
Mr Kedyie’s murder was condemned by Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, who sent condolences to the family and relatives of the renowned poet. Mr Barre also blamed Somaliland forces for the Keriye’s killing. “The killings and bombings of intellectuals, poets and in general the Somali people by the Somaliland administration are not acceptable,” the Prime Minister emphasised, further calling the crimes a “big sin and a big mistake”.
Notably, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud remains silent about the death of the Sumali cultural icon. This “deafening” silence is not very surprising to many, though. The Somali President has refrained from condemning the Las Anod violence from the beginning of the conflict, effectively playing into the hands of Somaliland and its propaganda.
