Yusuf vs. Samantar plaintiff holds press conference in Somaliland

[Jacaylbaro]

Hargeisa (Somalilandpress) — Mr. Abdulaziz Mohamed, one of the plaintiffs in Yusuf vs. Samatar civil law suit in the United States held a press conference in Al Mansoor Hotel in capital Hargeisa. Mr. Mohamed who is visiting Somaliland, held the press conference to inform the citizen of Somaliland about the progress of the civil lawsuit against Mohamed Ali Samatar, after the US Supreme Court cleared the way for such lawsuits. Mohamed informed journalists that the case is on track and his team is pursuing compensations from Mohamed Ali Samantar.

 

Yusuf vs. Samantar has become a major legal case in the United States. It went up all the way to US Supreme Court, which ruled in favor for Mr. Yusuf Basha and fellow plaintiff. The US Supreme Court clear the way that the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act does not provide immunity to foreigners accused of torture and war crimes. The Court ruled unanimously to affirm the Fourth Circuit’s decision that the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act does not grant diplomatic immunity. The team that representing Mr. Abdulaziz Mohamed and other victims are suing Mr. Samantar in civil case for damages sustained during illegal imprisonment and torture by the Somali government in 1980s, in which Mr. Samantar was high-ranking official.

 

Mohamed Ali Samantar served as Vice President and Minister of Defense (1980-1986) and Prime Minister of Somalia (1987-1990). Under Samantar’s tenure, the Somali government’s brutal counterinsurgency war against separatists culminated in an indiscriminate aerial and ground assault on Hargeisa.

 

Mr. Moahmed highlighted that some Somali public thinkers have requested from him and other plaintiff to drop the case, reasoning Mr. Samantar’s deteriorating health won’t allow him to appear on court. And providing his financial situation, he would not be able to compensate financially to any legal liabilities.

 

However, Mr. Mohamed stated that forgiveness of atrocities committed by Mr. Samantar is not up to him or other plaintiffs in the case. He added,

 

“It is a national decision to forgive crimes committed against all citizens of Somaliland during 1980s war. And since there is new president who is elected democratically, he can lead national dialogue on the history of the war and crimes committed against people of Somaliland.

 

Mr. Mohamed commend the new Somaliland president to create national committee to investigate war crimes committed during the war against Somaliland and to create national archive of SNM history and sacrifices of all Somalilanders.

 

In regard if he has evidences that links Mr. Samantar to Hargeisa genocide. Abdulaziz Mohamed confirmed to the press that he has solid facts and proofs against General Samantar. He added that there many ex-officials from Siyyad Bare regime still around and enjoying freedom in many parts of the world. And the only reason Mr. Samantar is under scrutiny is because of action taken by active Somaliland citizens aboard.

 

Mr. Mohamed defended against accusation that the case is based on wanting financial retribution and it adds on existing tribal division between Somalis. Mr. Mohamed stated that, “the crimes committed although were based on hatred and tribalism, they were war crimes committed against a minority group. It was crimes against humanity and there are clear international laws regarding these type of violations.”

 

Recalling days of war and oppression under previous dictatorship, Mr. Mohamed told the story of how is father was killed in front of him by the national armed forces during bombardment of Hargeisa.

 

Finally Abdlaziz congratulated the new Administration of President Silanyo and all Somaliland citizens on successful and peaceful transition of power.