Somalia: Jubaland slams “abduction” of minister in Mogadishu, calls for his release

KISMAYO, Somalia – Jubaland State of Somalia has issued a statement on the arrest of its security Minister, Abdirashid Janan at Mogadishu airport on Saturday, August 31, 2019, Garowe Online reports.

After an emergency meeting in Kismayo by the regional security committee, Jubaland has expressed concern about the safety of Janan who was taken into custody shortly after arriving at the airport.

The Federal State said it "shocked" to learn of the arrest and has called on the government of Somalia to immediately release the security minister, describing his detention as “abduction” against his impunity.

Abdirashid Janan was detained by Somali police after landing at Mogadishu airport as he was returning from a working trip in Dolow town in Gedo province which lies on Somalia’s border with Kenya and Ethiopia on Saturday.

The Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Mohamud Abdulkadir Hilaal said Janan is wanted by Interpol and CID for “committing crimes” against the people of Gedo and neighboring zones.

The arrest comes a day after Somali government announced that all the international and local flights going to and from Kismayo have to make a stop-over at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport.

The relationship between Jubaland and the central Government is now at “rock bottom” compared to any time since the election of Farmajo as 9th president of Somalia in early February 2017.

The minister’s confinement could fall further worsen the standoff, according to the political analysts.

Last month, Somali government announced it will not recognize results from Jubaland parliamentary and presidential elections in Kismayo, says the process was not in line with the electoral process it has set out.

GAROWE ONLINE