11 April, 2009

Somaliland: Police Storms Office of Opposition Party In Burao

Burao (SomalilandGlobe) The Somaliland police have stormed the offices of KULMIYE, the main opposition parties in Somaliland today.  At the time the Police stormed the office, there was a press conference ongoing by KULMIYE's leaders in the region, criticising the government for its dictatorial tendencies. 

As the Police commandos stormed the office, the supporters and leaders of KULMIYE ordered them to leave the building.  The police refused ands fired shots into the air.  The KULMIYE supporters and leaders responded by hitting and stoning the police.  A lengthy and nasty fist fight between the police and the supporters ensues where base ball bates where used.  At the end the Police left the building.  It is not known how many people were injured in the fight.

The Rayale administration has been cracking down on opposition supporters and leaders lately, since the opposition has withdrawn its recognition of the current administration.  On 06.04.09 the leader of the opposition party, Mr Silanyo, who was the longest serving chairman of SNM the guerrilla organisation that liberated Somaliland from Siyad Barre's rule, was shot at by the Police after peaceful demonstrations and march in the capital city.

The police and military spokesmen refused to speak about the incident when we asked them for information about the police raid today.  On the other side, KULMIYE officials confirmed that their office was attacked today and added that the government was trying to start a war and destabilize Somaliland.


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