"Intolerance is it self a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit" - Mahathma Gandhi
We, always hear, that Somaliland government is a democratic government. If it is so, there are some prime rights to consider: protecting basic human rights such as freedom of speach and press; the right to equal protection under the law; and the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic and cultural life of the society.
Liberty of thought and participation in the politics are great rights of a man living in a civilised society with a democratic government. Any government which doesn't grant these rights can't claim to be a democratic government.
Somaliland Government some times ignore the basic rights of it's citizens. It made series arrests in which it had detained large number of innocent people, traditional leaders and journalists. The latest of such arrests is a recent imprisonment of the three prominent politicians, QARAN party leaders, Dr. Mohamed Abdi Gabbose, the chairman, Eng. Mohamed Hashi Elmi and Jamal aidid, the vice chairman and the second vice chairman, respectively.
Such political arrests or any other arbitrary arrests are not good for the people of Somaliland and their government. They can only make civilian anrest which could endanger the peace and the stability of the country. In the past years, Somaliland people faced different situations and difficuilties, and maintained to reach this stage of peaceful co-existence through tolerance and co-operation. This is an existing fact which shows the join efforts of the people of Somaliland, which needs to be encouraged.
Somaliland government should not try to stop the wishes of it's people. It should't label to any one or any other party who exercises his/her constitutional or political rights, or gives a constructive criticism as a person who is threatening to the peace and stability of the country, or as a distablising force.
If QARAN leaders founded a new political party, they did not engage in unlawful activities or break the law. They, as per the law and the democratic principles, exercised their constitutional and political rights which is allowed by the national constitution. Then, Somaliland government should not deny the basic rights of it's citizens and patriots.
At last, the government should make and immediate and unconditional release of the highly respected leaders, Dr. Mohamed Abdi Gabbose, Eng. Mohamed Hashi Elmi and Jamal Aidid Mohamed. They should be freed with out any further delay.
By Ahmed Eid Adam
ahmediid@hotmail.com
