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War and Political Assassinations Continue in Puntland State

Somali Peace Rally (Galkaio)
PRESS RELEASE
January 1, 2003
Posted to the web January 2, 2003
Galkaio
Somali Peace Rally (SPR) condemns the criminal and senseless murder and the
brutal killing of the intelligentsia of Puntland and indiscriminate massacre to
the unarmed civilian people of Bari Region by Col. Abdullahi Yusuf, a man who
thinks that he prospers in having blood in his hands.
We all know the broad-day-light assassination of Col. Farah Dheere, a prominent
businessman in Garoowe, a key figure opposed to Col. Yusuf. Mr. Farah was
killed by the body guards of Puntland’s brutal dictator. On 17th August 2002,
another high profile assassination took place in Kalabayr village (between
Garoowe and Galkacyo) ­ the point-blank killing of Suldan Hurre, a very
important person in Puntland who opposed publicly the Colonel’s misrule of
Puntland regions. The prominent Sultan was brutally shot by the special guards
of Col. Abdullahi Yusuf
To perpetuate the circle of bloodshed, on December 25th 2002 another wealthy
young entrepreneur, Abdirisak Mohamed Jama aka Boobe was brutally killed by a
hit man sent by the Colonel. The Colonel’s militia helped the assassin get
away. Mr. Boobe was lately accused of collaborating with the Abdullahi’s
dissidents in Dhudo base under the leadership of General Adde Muuse.
The violent effort by Col. Yusuf to intimidate civilian population have
exacerbated tribal and other tensions within the country.
We strongly urge Human Rights organisations to investigate the mass barbaric
killings of Col. Yusuf. We also call the international community to take Col.
Yusuf to court and he faces the accusation made against him. It is reported
that Col. Yusuf eluded court proceedings in UK recently. The realization of a
prosecution against this decades old brutality would have been a bright day for
justice and good governance in Somalia.
In another unfortunately event, on December 30th and 31st 2002, the Col. Yusuf
launched an attack on his political adversaries in Dhudo village of Bari
region. This is a stark violation of Eldoret cease-fire signed by all Somali
warlords including Col. Yusuf. The Somalis as well as the international
community have to condemn this barbaric assault. SPR calls for Col. Yusuf
punishment in his admission of being an obstacle to peace in Somalia. Unless
Col. Yusuf pays a big price for his violent practice, the Eldoret talks will be
futile exercise.
We remind the Somali people that the barrel of the gun, Abdullahi’s trademark
is not leading Somalia any where. Indeed, it is what brought Somalia where it
is now. We condemn this practice, and we call for a peaceful resolution of
conflicts in Puntland and Somalia at large.

   

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