ALN Statements & Resolutions
Former Somali MP commits terrorist act, ALN calls for democratic norms and processes in MP-eligibility
Statement of the Africa Liberal Network
Rosemary Machua, ALN Vice President East Africa
28 July 2016
The Africa Liberal Network, the largest political affiliation on the continent, condemns the suicide bomb attacks reportdly by former Somali MP Salah Nuh Ismail and other members of al-Shabab.
Ismail, also known as Salah Badbado, is said to have detonated the bomb near the international airport outside the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Earlier this week, another terrorist attack took place at the gates of an African Union (AU) peacekeeping base, in which cars loaded with explosive materials were detonated. The attacks led to the death of thirteen people and five are critically injured.
Both attacks have been accounted for by the militant Islamic group, al-Shabab, which aims to take over the country as a cruel, terrorist regime and undermine the internationally-backed Federal Government of Somalia.
The ALN and its member party in Somalia, CAHDI Party, strongly denounce this act of terror. We call on the Somali government to take stronger steps to ensure the credibility of Members of Parliament, as it is unacceptable for elected public representatives to turn on the people they are mandated to represent. For the stability, peace and security in Somali society, it is essential that potential public representatives are subject to extensive background checks and required to be transparent in their political platform or agenda.
In a country that has suffered so much pain and loss due to war and exploitation, the Somali government, parliament and judiciary must take proactive measures for the safety of its people. This is especially critical ahead of elections in Somalia set for later this year.
Media enquiries:
Luke Akal
Africa Liberal Network Coordinator
+27 (0)81 481 3754