| 3 Killed in Somaliland Protests | |
12 September 2009 |
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| Scene from the clashes between security forces and protesters in Hargeisa, 12 Sep 2009 |
Peaceful protests in Somaliland's capital, Hargeisa, Saturday turned violent after police tried to disperse crowds outside the parliament building. Demonstrators responded by throwing stones and other objects at security troops.
The opposition called for protests after authorities stopped a parliamentary debate Tuesday on a motion to impeach Somaliland's leader Dahir Riyale Kahin. The debate turned violent and one lawmaker pulled out a gun.
The president of the self-proclaimed republic angered the opposition by postponing the election set for September 27.
He is running for re-election but faces a stiff competition from two rival politicians.
Mr. Riyale called for calm and offered to talk with the opposition. He warned that violence may harm Somaliland's development as an independent nation.
Somaliland broke away from Somalia soon after former Somali leader Mohamed Siad Barre was ousted in 1991. Mr. Riyale took power in 2002.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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