In its ordinary meeting that was held in Jigjig, the capital of the Somali Regional State, the regional council lifted the immunity of 12 of its members.
From the 12 individuals, who are suspected of a number of crimes, six of them have already been placed under custody, according to sources from the region.
The list includes Ahmed Abdi (Ilkacase), former vice president of the region, who was briefly assigned following the resignation of the erstwhile president Abdi Illey, Mohammed Rashid, former speaker of the regional council, as well as Suad Ahmed, former vice president of the region.
It is to be recalled that a couple of weeks ago the ruling party of the region was in a turmoil following a quarrel between two groups within the party. By the time, division within the party mainly revolved around disagreement over the appointment of officials in the region.
By the time, the group led by President Mustafa Omer was accusing those within the regional party for letting individuals who were part of Abdi Illey’s administration, and suspected of committing crimes, to come to power and assume posts. In addition, the group led by the President was also pointing its figure on those individuals for trying to overthrow Mustafa from power.
On the other hand, the second group accuse Mustafa and his group of having links with extremist groups.
“Some of those who are now serving at different posts including zonal and wereda level security establishments have links with groups outside the ruling party of the region which we believe is a security risk for both the region and the country,” Guled Awo, former Communication Bureau Head of the region told The Reporter a couple of weeks ago.
In a recent development, the ruling party, following its meeting on February 7, 2019, have finally decided to remove 12 members of the regional council and lifted their immunity.
The individuals were active during Abdi Illey and have been serving in different posts. It is to be recalled that just a few weeks back, the party has decided to remove five officials including Guled and Ahmed Abdi.
Moreover, the Council has also decided to lift the immunity of the aforementioned officials. From the aforementioned officials, Ahmed Abdi and Fartuun Mahdi, head of Water Development Bureau were reportedly outside the country.
According to sources, eight other officials, who are not members of the regional council, will also be placed under custody for alleged crimes.
