wind.talker Posted October 30, 2005 Tukwila Police move over (SeaTown folks know what I'm talking about). We have a new beast in town aka Puntland police (Boosaaso district). In every country and culture, the #1 duty of the police is to uphold the law. But in Boosaaso, the difference between the police and the criminals is too little to mention (lately, at least). So what's going on? What's the PL leadership saying about it? Nothing. Within the past two weeks, a Boosaaso "police officer" has killed a civilian (it was a traffic cop stabbing a civilian to death before). Now, we have another officer "accidently" shooting a Somali citizen to death. This says a lot about the mismanagement, corruption and miseducation in place in PL, esp. in Bossaso. Once again, has the PL admin (or even Bari regional gov't) offered alternatives and/or other solutions to this growing problem? No! Let's talk about which useless PL minister gave a speech at some luncheon while law enforcement officers kill civilians and torture prisoners. Askari ka tirsan booliiska magaalada Boosaaso oo toogasho ku diley nin dhallinyaro ah - SBC Online http://www.sbconline.net/news.php?page=newspage&id=6242 And the media...Wait, what media? There are plenty of news-providing services in PL but they're all scared for their lives. Press freedom hasn't been a popular concept in Somali history - and, in some ways, it still isnt. But in PL, the situation is bad and only getting worse. Pioneers of the free press in PL (such editors of SHACAB newspaper and STN station admin.) have been subject to the brutal treatment of PL police (with PL admin's backing, of course). In Puntland, the media is allowed to talk about which minister gave what speech, which NGO held what news conference and whom the PL student union voted as the new chairman. Social, cultural and political matters that deeply affect the people and the region are left in the exclusive realm of the powers that be, i.e. the PL admin. Yet, their whole attention is focused on Jowhar. Dayniile airstrip being shutdown creates so much buzz and coffee talk. Who mentions the civilian "accidently" killed in Boosaaso? Trivial, non-nationalist matter that is. Anyways, below is an eye-opening account of the dire situation in PL for suspects and reporters. Sept,28,2005-Grievances against Bossaaso Police Misconduct September 26, 2005 As we are talking now, someone, somewhere in an African country is being thrown into prison cell, being beaten up, tortured or being interrogated on trumped up charges. Hundreds more up and down the continent are being subjected to other forms of inhuman treatment in the hands of the police, army or secret police [1]. Comment made by a member of an NGO at the eleventh session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) held in Tunis, Tunisia. Sheekh Aduun, director of the Bossasso radio affiliate of the private STN network, and Awale Jama, an editor at the station, were freed yesterday without charge, according to STN director Omar Nur Guutale in Mogadishu . They had been jailed since June 30 in connection with the station's reporting on the mayoral campaign in Bossasso, according to local sources [2]. Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Press Release, New York, July 13, 2005. Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of human Rights states that “[n]o one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment [3].†When decisions are made to protect the public, strategies (i.e. means to an end) are consciously or unconsciously employed. In the case of policing and handling the safety of the public, the end is the improvement of the security force’s capability to accomplish its goals. The selection of the strategy generally involves the establishment of a series of ends, means and priorities. We know that policing is a complicated issue, by the fact that Somalia is in the midst of civil wars, and sometimes the police itself produces conflict or pursues ambitious goals that cannot be attained. However, there are two objectives which all security related institutions serve: The first objective is the maintenance of law and order – handling disputes, a family quarrel, and a street disturbance by teenagers etc. The second objective is law enforcement – the use of legal sanctions, usually by means of arrest, to individuals who harm/threaten or deprive innocent victims. Nevertheless, Bossasso Regional State Security Forces have lately known not to perform their tasks satisfactorily. Numerous Puntland media have recently directed criticism at the police. All of their criticisms are well known and often valid, but Puntland administration is frequently ignoring the conditions that are giving rise to these criticisms. The Administration, for example, is frequently charged for hiring unqualified policemen who suppress or manipulate crime reports and more importantly use improper or illegal procedures, including torturing detainees. The answer to why all these criticisms are true to some extent lies to two explanations: Torture seen as a social control mode; and what we call “Duur-joog†theme – both is complementing each other. Afflictions in Detention Centers To control masses that have been bad-administered is not an easy task. As scholar Matthew Lippman observes, “The major function of torture today is its use by many regimes lacking popular support who desire to inculcate a climate of fear and political apathy in the general population [4].†In addition, “Torture may also be used to incapacitate an individual psychologically or physically and thereby render the individual politically ineffective [5].†Torture is universally and unanimously condemned in Puntland Constitution and human convention. Yet, it is still mostly definitely practiced in Puntland detention centers. Although Puntland officials continue to condemn all forms of torture publicly, their deep conviction of human rights does not support their strong language. Many ex-prisoners of Bossaaso detention centers (see below) charge against prison soldiers of dereliction of duties, cruelty, assault, indecent acts, and maltreatment. In fact, these officials sometimes justify some of the torturing procedures and contend that killing is worse than torture – reminding their subjects that killing is rampant in other parts of Somalia (i.e. Mogadishu environs). They also insist that torture is permitted when the situation is out of control – i.e. when the situation consists of “war†between the central authority and its so-called enemies. Duur-joog (bad-recruits) Although explanations vary, the variations of bad-policing theme in Bossaaso can be summed up as “Duur-joog†who find their way into the police work through nepotism, and clan-affiliation. “Duur-joog†refers here to un-qualified, unintelligent, clan-oriented, rude, brutal, intolerant, or insensitive men. “Duur-joog†recruits enjoy expressing their prejudices and crudeness in the name of the law. Not only do “Duur-joog†fail to do the right thing/prevent crime, they systematically take pleasure in to do the wrong thing/actually cause crime [6]. “Duur-joog†is just one expression of the growing concern over the problem of policing procedure which has recently accompanied the tremendous widespread abuses in Bossaaso detention centers. Bossaaso Detention Centers When an individual is arrested, he/she is held for trial in what is known as police cell, a jail, a detention center, etc. These centers generally serve a double purpose: to keep those who are waiting trial, and those serving sentences for minor offences. To mention a few about the minimum standard requirements, police cells should have good ventilation, proper food, cleanliness, protection from infectious disease, and access to counsel and family/friends. On the contrary, there are extremely serious allegations against Puntland detention centers and its prison guards; and it can’t just be ignored. The forum therefore proposes that an independent judicial commission of inquiry should be appointed, to investigate Bossaaso detention centers. Such investigation would help find out what is happening to the detainees. Those “Duur-joog†recruits who are responsible for such misconduct must be weeded out of the security forces as a matter of urgency. The liability should not end with the recruits involved in the abuse incidents; but the politicians and high-ranking officials who authorized such acts are equally liable. Local Media In Puntland, local news-reporting is a costly and risky enterprise used by local internet websites, newspapers, and local radio broadcasters. There had been a worrying avoidance of covering police misconduct by the local media, especially Bossaaso-based media. The Roobdoon observers who are studying Somali mass media and its influence on the issues that is sensitive and noticeable before the public have discovered the lack of freedom of expression in Puntland Regional State. Admittedly, only lately we, the Forum, have examined the means of coercion employed by the “Duur-joog†recruits in maintaining authority and in furthering the political and economic interests of the ruling junta. Unfortunately, the “Duur-joog†recruits in Bossaaso have been much less studied than the “********s†in Muqdisho – although we know now that it would be rash to assume that they were less important. The high visibility (via Somali websites) of public reaction against Puntland security forces has indicated the impression that public attitudes are predominantly negative. This shared understanding can have self-fulfilling consequences. In the case of Bossaaso district for example, since the “Duur-joog†recruits often view locals as holding more hostile attitudes towards them, they often take a more authoritarian attitude in order to assure that actions will be seen as legitimate. Hence, instances of “Duur-joog†brutality occur and are covered by the media. A Journalist’s comments on Human Rights Abuses in Bossaaso Prison Waxaa in la xuso mudan xili aan ku xirnaa Xabsiga Magaalada Bosaso in aan la sheekaystay maxaabiis gaaraysa 120 maxbuus oo iyagoon wax maxkamad ah aan la soo marin lagu xiray xabsiga Bosaso. Danbiyo kala duwan oo aan jirin islamarkaasna qof bini'aadam ah aan loo qaban ayay maxaabiistaasi ku xiranyihiin mudo sanado ah iyo Bilo markii aad weydiisana waxay kuu sheegayaan ina ay yihiin(rumaan) ama maxkamed suge oo sharcigiisu yahay in uu xabsiga ku xirnaado 45 casho. Xiligii aan maxaabiistaasi wada joognay oo ay ******** in aan ka mid ahay saxaafadda waxay intooda badan igula dardaarmeen in aan tacadiyada haysta dadka u soo bandhigo. Waxaa dhibaatooyinka haysta ka mid ah cunto xumo, daawo la’aan, iyo qaarkood oo qaba cudurada faafa sida TB-da, Malaria, Cholera, iyo waliba aneebiya ama dhiig la’aanta oo dhammaantood ay la ildaran yihiin [7]. For few days, he has been detained in Bossaaso detention center. During his detention period, he met local political leaders, traders, and criminals with minor offences under dire condition. And to all, he posted on the internet and wired a message to concerned advocacy groups about the plight of the prisoners in Bossaaso. His name is Cawaale Jaamac Salaad. He is a journalist from Bossaaso based website: www.biyokulule.com. He is a social activist who decided on his own will to “report†the above grievances and message from the detainees, with the knowledge and support of his Bossaaso community. Mindful of the political reality of his constituency, Cawaale Jaamac firmly believes in freedom of expression. In his opinion, he, neither creating nor supporting any political party, would unconditionally defend the supporters of human rights. His work is “highly regarded†by the Roobdoon Forum. An admirer of Cawaale Jaamac, the Roobdoon Forum, was disturbed lately over the news that he was harassed and arrested for days without being found him guilty. Outspoken in our affirmations on human rights, we, the forum, clarify our position on the current Puntland Administration: “the Administration is an assault against human rights, the dignity of the human being, and God. In Bossaaso detention centers, human rights are continuously violated by the security forces.†Roobdoon Forum A. S. Faamo Toronto, Canada roobdoon2000@yahoo.ca http://www.saylac.com/news/articlesept28th05.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Camel Mlik Posted October 30, 2005 Waryaa since the Puntland Administration is so bad Do you want C/Y back to Puntland or some thing. waryaa nothing is perfect Puntland is not going to be perfect as you want. "Yet, their whole attention is focused on Jowhar. Dayniile airstrip being shutdown creates so much buzz and coffee talk. Who mentions the civilian "accidently" killed in Boosaaso? Trivial, non-nationalist matter that is." waryaa such things happen right here in our city in Seattle every single day war slow your roll. This guy is funny war who are you trying to Show-off to the NON Puntlanders on Somaliaonline or some thing. War wasn't it you who Posted Dayniile airstrp shutdown. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sky Posted October 30, 2005 I must concur that the situation is quite bad. Ironically Bosasso has the most developed police force compared to other cities in Puntland. It has a well-organised traffic police and the intelligence service is based in Bosasso. Nevertheless there are some serious negative aspects of Bosasso's law enforcement. The police officers were hired through lists presented by their clan elders and relative politicians who demanded these men to be recruited into the police force. These policemen are with no exception uneducated, ignorant and very arrogant and might be the reason why Bosasso's Mafia businessmen are prospering with their people-trafficking, weapon- and drugsmuggling and piracy businesses. From what I gathered, these 'Duurjoog' as they call them, meaning; Wild Animals, are also guilty of treating people differently. For instance a Bantu IDP only needs to look a policeman the wrong way and he'll face some serious jailtime and torture. While his clancousin can refuse to pay taxes. Fortunately, Bosasso has seen some positive developments over the years. A modern police academy to be proud of has been completed in Carmo, a town south of Bosasso high up in the mountains, with the help of UNDP where new recruits will receive professional training. The Bosasso police force has changed with Bosasso's rapid expansion by setting up additional police stations in the different parts of Bosasso. Brandnew equipment and uniforms are going to arrive for the Puntland police from Sharjah Emirate and the Puntland police chief Col Yuusuf Axmed Kheyr has gone to Europe to ask for assistance to increase the capacity of the Puntland police. The prisons in Bosasso are awful. No hygiene and no adequate food and water for the detainees. They are cramped up in a small space, vulnerable to brutality and Bosasso's merciless heat. The women's prison doesn't have these problems for obvious reasons, except for the lack of ventilation. I think this issue has escalated so much, because Bosasso has been through a lot of corrupt mayors, like this dude in the middle of the picture. Colonel Cabdi Yaasiin Xirsi from Qardho, he became mayor of Bosasso after the GBP of Cadde Muuse (of which he was a member of) received high posts during Korneyl Yeey's reign. He was reportedly so corrupt that then Puntland president Maxamed Cabdi Xaashi had fired him, whereby the semi-wadaad colonel Xirsi, much like his cousin Jaamac Cali Jaamac also a semi-wadaad colonel, had to be forcefully evicted from his post. This picture is from www.biyokulule.com. This was at the peace talks between Cabdullaahi Yuusuf and Cadde Muuse in Karin, Bari region. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jumatatu Posted October 30, 2005 Originally posted by Camel Mlik: This guy is funny war who are you trying to Show-off to the NON Puntlanders on Somaliaonline or some thing. War wasn't it you who Posted Dayniile airstrp shutdown. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jabhad Posted October 30, 2005 Waryaa since the Puntland Administration is so bad Do you want C/Y back to Puntland or some thing. I remember ruwaayadii Magaalo Joog Xumo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wind.talker Posted October 31, 2005 Originally posted by Camel Mlik: This guy is funny war who are you trying to Show-off to the NON Puntlanders on Somaliaonline or some thing. War wasn't it you who Posted Dayniile airstrp shutdown. [/QB] Ow shucks! You got me all figured out: I'm trying to impress a bunch of dudes online. Really, I am. On the second note, Dayniile airstrip being shutdown is a news item. I simply posted it to watch you celebrate. Its quite amusing. Laakin, sheekadu waan fahmay. Its okay to post negative news from Xamar on a daily basis (who shot who, who got robbed where). But, as soon as any negative news is posted about Puntland, there is a perfectly flawless answer: Puntland is not perfect. Think about that double standard, fadlan. Originally posted by Sky: Bosasso has the most developed police force compared to other cities in Puntland. Really? Nin lagu diley magaalada Boosaaso Boosaaso- 31.October.2005 Nin dhalinyaro ah oo lagu magacaabi jirey Mukhtaar Cali Saleeban Awaare ayaa habeenimadii xaley waxaa lagu diley agagaarka Dekada magaalada Boosaaso ee xarunta Gobolka Bari. Ninkan ayaa la sheegay in xaley 7:30-kii fiidnimo uu diley askari ka tirsanaa ciidamada Booliiska gaar ahaan qaybta canshuuraha ee ka hawlgala dekeda magaalada Boosaaso. Lama oga sababta rasmiga ah ee dhalisey dilkan waxaase jira warar sheegaya in marxuumka la diley iyo kan wax diley uu dhexmarey muran aynan helin ujeedadiisa dhabta ah. Taliyaha Qaybta Booliiska ee Gobolka Bari G/lle dhexe Caydiid Axmed Nuur ayaa Idaacada SBC u sheegay in ninkii dilka geystay haatan ay gacanta ku hayaan ciidamada Booliiska oo ay baarayaan sababta dhalisey dilkan. Waa dilkii 2-aad oo mudo 24 saac ah ka dhaca magaalada Boosaaso oo inta badan lagu tilmaamo inay tahay magaalooyinka ugu nabdoon deegaanada Puntland iyo guud ahaan dalka Soomaaliya. C/risaaq Cismaan Bulqaas SBC Monitoring Debate the issue people - not me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
