Somaliland

Kenya’s Deputy Speaker visits Somaliland for talks

January 18, 2012   ·   260926 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fsomalilandpress.com%2Fkenyas-deputy-speaker-visits-somaliland-for-talks-26092Kenya%27s+Deputy+Speaker+visits+Somaliland+for+talks2012-01-18+07%3A27%3A40Hassan+Alihttp%3A%2F%2Fsomalilandpress.com%2F%3Fp%3D26092

Photo: Kenya’s Deputy Speaker received in Hargeisa by Somaliland ministers including the Minister of Religious Affairs, Sheikh Khalil Abdullahi Ahmed (Barkhad-Ladiif M. Omar/HOL)

HARGEISA — Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, Farah Maalim Ahmed, arrived in the Somaliland capital on Tuesday for purely personal visit but stressed he will hold talks with senior government officials. He added the recent skirmishes in parts of Buhoodle region and the bilateral ties between Kenya and Somaliland would be topics of discussion.

He held a brief press conference at Egal International airport where he was received by senior government officials. Speaking to local media he expressed his pleasure at visiting Somaliland once again and made it clear his visit was not politically motivated.

The Kenyan MP described his trip as a peaceful mission to promote the strengthening of peace and harmony among the Somali population spread across the Horn of Africa. “I am here to discuss efforts to find peace and development for the general Somali populous,” he said.

Commenting on the recent clashes between Somaliland forces and tribal militant in Buhoodle, Mr. Maalim called for dialogue, good sense and understanding in order to resolve critical issues. He mentioned that he was against anything that would harm the Somali people including violence and urged the government of Somaliland to exercise the utmost restraint and calm. When asked about his views towards the tribal gathering in Taleeh in Sool region, he declined to provide details saying he had no personal knowledge of it but has only heard the media talking about it.

He expressed his trust in the Somaliland government and its people and said that he knows the enormous challenges ahead but warned against violence.

When asked about his country’s military intervention in Somalia, he responded: “Somalis will not be pleased to see Kenyan troops entering their country but it was a necessary measure that would help end the sufferings,” he responded. He added that hundreds of refugees entered Kenya fleeing from conflict, starvation, hardships and drought are some factors which forced Kenya to intervene.

Mr Maalim was traveling with the Somaliland foreign minister who also departed from Nairobi.

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Wednesday, Jan 18, 2012

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By Hassan Ali

Tags: Buhoodle, Farah Ma'alim, Kenyan Deputy speaker, Somaliland, Taleeh