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Traditional Leaders in Clan Vendetta is Condemned
(SHHRF 0050/2005, 28 June 2005)
Sultan Hurre Human Rights Focus
condemns the killing of Siciid Cumar Warsame in Galkayo and Mursal Nuur
Galow in Qardho, both in Puntland Somalia. Both men were traditional leaders
well known and respected in Somalia. Reportedly, both of these killings were
related to clan vendetta.
The killing of traditional leaders
is a new phenomenon that has challenged Puntland’s social stability. It was
just two years ago when the politically motivated assassination of the
respected Sultan Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (known as Hurre) took place at
Kalabayr in Puntland. Sultan Hurre was one of the traditional leaders who
had opposed the extension of Colonel Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed to the presidency
of Puntland when his term expired on the 30th of June 2001.
Traditional leaders are known as
biri-ma-goyso (those who are spared from the spear). Traditionally, clan
vendetta was bounded by rules and social conventions that controlled the
extent and nature of warfare. Since the collapse of the Somali state, it
seems that these conventions have been broken at will.
Following the collapse of the Somali
state institutions, the traditional leaders, who are the moral anchor of the
society, have been accorded important standing in Somalia. Their role as
peace brokers received greater recognition within the community.
We condemn the killing of innocent
people, particularly the traditional leaders.
SHHRF urges Somali community to
solve their problems peacefully within their socially recognised
conventions.
Sultan Hurre Human Rights Focus |
