Riyaale: Once NSS, always NSS

[wind.talker]

Radio Horyaal is an independently-owned media based in the U.K. On March 4, 2005, Hargeisa police stormed the headquarters of a political party named KULMIYE, led by Axmad Siilaanyo, who's arguably the most popular figure in S/land politics.

 

Radio Horyaal spokesman, Axmad Xaaji Nuur, has criticized the S/land government action:

 

"Maamulka Radio Horyaal wuxuu canbaaraynayaa weerarkii qaawana ee booliska Somaliland ku qaaday xarunta dhexe ee xisbiga KULMIYE. Waxaanu u aragnaa falkaa xadgudub aanu gayin shacbiga Somaliland iyo madaxdiisa sharafta lehi. Waa wax lago naxo oo aad u weydaarsan sharciyada dalka iyo anshaxa toosan ee dadka iyo dawladda gala haga.

 

Foolxumadaa shalay (03.04.05) ka dhacday magaaladda Hargeysa iyo weerarka badheedhka ah ee xukuumadda Somaliland kula kacday xarunta xisbiga KULMIYE waa arrin aan loo dulqaadan karin. Waxaa wajaab ah in shacbiweynaha Somaliland, Golayaasha Somaliland iyo madaxda Asxaabta Mucaaradka ahi ay meel uga soo wadaa jeestan wax ka qabashada falkan yakh yakhsiga leh ee Dawladda Somaliland kula kacday asxaabta qaranka."

 

SOURCE: somaliland.org

 

Riyaale is undoubtedly showing his NSS face, again. The S/land government has been keeping independent media from operating in the country until a proper Press Bill is passed by both houses of Parliament. Because independent radio can't operate, the arrival of Radio Horyaal on the scene goes against the wishes of this unpopular S/land government, which accuses the Radio of being pro-KULMIYE Party, an absurd and baseless claim. This police action, combined with the recent firing and detention of some radio personalities in Hargeisa, is a problematic sign for the S/land admin, led by former NSS agent Dahir Riyale and a few cohorts who oppose anyone that opposes them. Day by day, Riyaale is showing his true NSS colors. But how long will people put up with the same injustices (detentions, anti-media actions, anti-gov't demonstrations in which the demonstrators were outnumbered by the police) they'd bled to liberate their land from?