Hargeisa, 5 May 2009 (Somalilandpress) — Somaliland police opened fire on students demonstrating against plans to sell section of the Sheikh Bashiir elementary school to a private investor on Monday in the capital city of Hargeisa.
Police forces equipped with cage paddy wagon came to the school in Hargeisa after they were called on regarding student protest. A number of students gathered in the middle of the school complex and were on their way to march peacefully to the city center. Police ordered the student to disperse, shortly after, they then opened fired on the pupils.
Still it is not known the reason that the police opened fire on the students when all they were doing was a peaceful gathering and speaking against the government policy.
The students were protesting after they were told that the government is planning to sell part of the school to a private investor. An official from the government came to the school and told students that it was rumors and that the government has no plans to sell the school premises.
Somalilandpress learned that the government actually sold section outside the school premises that was once used as a hall for meetings, conferences and teachers lounge - the students insisted that it was still part of the school since they use it now.
The police have detained a number of students and the parents of the students have expressed concerns about the use of force against students. Some of the parents have requested from police commander Mr. Saqadhi Dubad to immediately release the students. Also the parents of the students would like the government to launch an enquiry into today’s incident and the police commander’s order to use life ammunition on children.
Somaliland organizations, diaspora community, donors and international agencies must codomn the use of force against pupils and the Somaliland society as whole by Rayale’s men and women in uniform.
One parent who did not want to give his name said “today’s event reminds me of the old Siad Barre’s regime and the brutality that it used against our people”.
Source: Somalilandpress
