Somaliland parliament blocks govt bid to waive detained MP’s immunity 

MOGADISHU (Adduun) – Somaliland Parliament on Monday decisively rejected the government’s attempt to strip prominent MP Mohamed Abib of his parliamentary immunity. The vote saw 57 MPs oppose the move, while only 3 supported it. The attempt to relieve Abib of his immunity came in the wake of his detention upon returning from the UAE on Sunday. 

The controversy surrounding Abib stems from his recent comments accusing Somaliland of being a “one-clan enclave” and alleging that its leadership is comprised of “thugs.” His statements also included severe allegations against the Somali National Movement (SNM), among whose commanders was the current President Muse Bihi Abdi. Abib claimed that the SNM was responsible for the massacre of 800 civilians in Borama following the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991. 

The Parliament’s decision to reject the government’s bid to strip Abib of immunity was not without drama. A brawl erupted during the parliamentary debate, highlighting the intense emotions and political stakes involved in the issue. The clash underscored the deep divisions and the heated nature of the discourse surrounding Abib’s detention. 

Abib’s detention has sparked significant controversy, not only due to his allegations but also because of the broader political implications. His comments have been perceived as a direct challenge to the legitimacy of Somaliland’s current administration and its historical narratives. This has added layers of complexity to an already charged political environment. 

The incident also reflects broader tensions within Somaliland regarding its governance and historical grievances. The allegations made by Abib touch on sensitive historical events and clan dynamics, which continue to influence the region’s politics. 

The Parliament’s rejection of the immunity relief signals a defense of parliamentary prerogatives and suggests a complex interplay between political dissent and institutional authority. It indicates a potential backlash against government attempts to silence critics through legal maneuvers. 

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