2 killed in Somaliland as security forces, protesters clash

By Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - At least two people were killed and more than 10 wounded when protesters and security forces clashed on Thursday in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland.

The protest, led by Abdirahman Irro, the leader of the main opposition party, Wadani, took place in the region of the self-declared republic of Somaliland to demand that elections be conducted to prevent an extension of the term of President Muse Bihi Abdi in office, which expires in November.

Opposition officials told Anadolu Agency that the dead included one person who was killed in Hargaisa, the capital of Somaliland and the other was killed in the town of Erigavo.

Before the violence started, the government of Somaliland cut internet access although it was restored later on Thursday after the protest ended.

Authorities declined to comment to Anadolu Agency on the violence and the alleged use of excessive force against protesters.

Somaliland is a former British colony that declared independence from Somalia after the collapse of the former military government in 1990.