The Somaliland government has strongly condemned statements made by lawyer Guuleed Ahmed Dafac regarding the alleged plan for Somaliland to open an embassy in the disputed city of Jerusalem, with Somaliland officials saying that legal action will be taken against anyone they accuse of opposing the move.
Somaliland’s Minister of Interior, Abdalle Mohamed Arab (Sandheere), said that security forces will take strict action against individuals he described as serving the enemy of Somaliland. The minister said that statements he made that harm the existence and nationhood of Somaliland will not be tolerated.
“A young girl in Hargeisa, who we do not know who she works for and who serves the enemy, will not talk about us while sitting on a four-letter TV, clear action will be taken against her, the law will be applied, it will not be tolerated,” said Minister Sandheere, adding that anyone involved in these matters will be held accountable.
Lawyer Guuleed Ahmed Dafac responded to the minister’s statement, saying that despite the minister’s strong language, he believes that political disputes should be resolved in accordance with the constitution and freedom of speech. He said that he is a citizen of Somaliland who supports the constitution and the existence of Somaliland.
“Somaliland is a republic of the people with a constitution. I am a citizen of Somaliland who accepts the constitution, and my judgment is the people,” said the lawyer, also pointing out that no one is being served when it comes to legal and political opinions.
Lawyer Guuleed Dafac said that he greatly welcomes the strengthening relations between Somaliland and Israel, as well as the recognition that Israel has given to Somaliland. However, he argued that it is not appropriate for Somaliland to open an embassy in Jerusalem, as the United Nations has previously warned against establishing embassies in that city, which is still an international dispute.