19 May 2012 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga, expresses concern over the recent violent clashes in Hargeisa between the Somaliland security forces and Somaliland citizens which allegedly resulted in the death of several persons from both sides. Seventeen of the accused were sentenced to death and five to life imprisonment.
The SRSG regrets the loss of life on both sides and expresses concern the trial of these civilians was conducted by a military in contradiction of both applicable local statutes and customary norms of standards of international law. He urges the immediate transfer of the case to a criminal court and encourages the authorities to ensure that fair trial rights are respected in a new trial.
The SRSG calls for a full, impartial, independent and transparent investigation to be carried out into the incident and its immediate aftermath.