Hargeisa — The Parliament of Somaliland has rejected a government motion to revoke the immunity of opposition MP Mohamed Abib, who was recently detained by security forces at Egal airport upon his return from the United Arab Emirates. The decision was made during an emergency session held on Tuesday in the capital, Hargeisa.
Out of the 57 members of the House of Representatives present, 51 voted against lifting Abib’s immunity, while three supported the motion, and two abstained. This vote effectively ends the case against Abib in the parliament.
The controversy erupted after Somaliland forces arrested MP Abib at the airport on charges brought by the Somaliland prosecutor’s office, including treason, defamation of the army, supporting Somaliland’s enemies, and opposing national interests. Abib is currently being held in Mandera prison in Hargeisa.
The arrest has sparked tensions within the region, with some MPs visibly expressing their discontent during Tuesday’s session. Additionally, armed groups blocked the main road in the Goroyo-Cawleed area, leading to a standoff with military forces stationed at the nearby Goroyo-Cawl base.
Eyewitnesses reported that security police in Boorama have since been patrolling the city’s streets and markets, heightening the sense of unease in the region.