A Top Somaliland Lawyer Defends Political Autobiography

(Horn Diplomat- Hargeisa) The political autobiography of Hersi Haji Ali Hassan, the former Somaliland Minister for Presidency, continues to generate debates as to the veracity and legality of views he expressed about governance during the tenure of the former President of Somaliland, Ahmed M. Mohamud.

Guled Ahmed Jama, the director of the highly regarded Human Rights Center in Hargeisa, has defended Hersi against accusations about libellous statements in the book. “I have read the book and haven’t seen any evidence of criminality attributable to the author,” Guled told Keyse Digaale, a Saab TV interviewer. Guled said the book contains arguments to which one can agree or disagree.

“Even if Hersi’s disclosures turn out to be true, he had obligation to let constitutional bodies of the country know the state of the president’s health.” The interview did not discuss questions about some Somaliland business people whom Hersi accused of trying to have undue influence upon the government to achieve business goals.

© Horn Diplomat 2018