Somalia: Somaliland announces amnesty plan for politicians

HARGEISA, Somalia- Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (Silanyo) has granted amnesty for politicians serving in Mogadishu-based federal government, Garowe Online reports.

The announcement comes amidst peace talks between the breakaway state and self-declared Khaatumo administration in northern Sool region.

Somaliland Information Minister Osman Abdullahi Sahardid told a news conference in the capital, Hargeisa that the President has lifted entry ban on Somaliland politicians in Mogadishu in a rare move for political moderation.

"The state will do its utmost to help those politicians return to their native land," said Sahardiid.

Politicians were facing charges of treason for conspiring against Somaliland's bid for independence.

Silanyo's admistration has opened talks with federal member of parliament Ali Khalif Galaydh following years of protracted hostility in the extremely volatile territories east.

Somaliland, located in northwestern Somalia declared its independence from the rest of the country as a de facto sovereign state in 1991 but it has not been recognized internationally yet.

GAROWE ONLINE