Somalia: Impeached Kulmiye deputy chairman, returns to Hargeisa 5 Jul 5, 2012 - 10:14:53 AM
HARGEISA, Somalia Jul 5 2012 (Garowe Online) – Ousted deputy chairman of Somaliland’s Kulmiye party, arrived in Hargeisa on Wednesday after being away for medical reasons, Garowe Online reports.
Abdirahman Abdiqadir arrived at the international airport in Hargeisa and held a meeting at Hotel Kaah located in Hargeisa’s eastside.
At the event to welcome the former chairman, Mr. Abdiqadir spoke about the need for justice and equality in Somaliland.
“The Somaliland people are people of good character that need equality and a just government,” said Mr. Abdiqadir.
The former deputy chairman of the majority ruling Kulmiye party was away on medical leave after suffering an injury while he was controversially voted out of the party in April.
Mr. Abdiqadir who at the time of the impeachment yelled out “I broke my back for this government for Silanyo and this is how I am treated,” didn’t take Kulmiye’s decision silently.
At the meeting held in Hargeisa, Mr. Abdiqadir refrained from commenting on his ousting and his feelings towards Kulmiye, but other speakers at the event did criticize Kulmiye and the Silanyo government.
“Issues that Kulmiye have previously thought wrong or disapproved have become good and correct decisions for the party, which they defend openly,” said spokesman for UDUB party, Ali Mohamed Yusuf.
Member of Parliament, Ibrahim Ahmed Rayte also had some words of criticism for the Kulmiye party calling the ousting of Mr. Abdi in April a disgrace to the Kulmiye party.
“I see the impeachment [Mr. Abdiqadir] by the Kulmiye party as a humiliation attempt, and I’m glad that Mr. Abdiqadir is in good health and with us today,” said MP Rayte.
Mr. Abdiqadir who kept his comments to the press brief said that he was pleased to return to Somaliland and was glad to be surrounded by those fighting on his behalf and for equality and justice.
“I’m very happy to be among those who were fighting for me and everything that I would’ve said was said for those who fight injustice,” said Mr. Abdiqadir.
The former Kulmiye chairman did not state if he would join a political party as of yet.
