In brief
- On 12 December 2018, Somaliland's parliamentary public works and housing committee questioned Minister Abdillahi Abokor Osman inside parliament, with press barred.
- The minister denied ordering arrests of youths after a reported decree banning Toyota Vitz taxis outside Hargeisa.
- The report does not establish any committee findings, decree details, or events after 2018-12-12.
On 12 December 2018, Somaliland Sun reported that the parliamentary committee for public works and housing summoned Somaliland's minister of public works, Abdillahi Abokor Osman, to appear before it.
The minister was questioned inside parliament premises, and the press were barred from entry, Somaliland Sun reported.
The committee chairman, Hon. Abdi Mohammed Jama (Gagale), said the minister was called to inquire about issues in his ministry and answered questions with a presentation on the state of affairs under his docket. "We called the minister to inquire about issues in his ministry, we asked him many questions and he clarified with good presentation of the state of affairs under his docket," the chairman said, as reported by Somaliland Sun on 2018-12-12.
Read the full Somaliland Sun report
Minister's account
The minister said he answered all questions to the committee's satisfaction and that they agreed to maintain good rapport to develop Somaliland infrastructures. "I also answered all questions to their satisfaction to clear their air of any doubt whatsoever. We also agreed to have a good rapport in our endeavors to develop Somaliland infrastructures," he said, according to Somaliland Sun.
The minister also refuted claims that he ordered the arrest of hundreds of youths who had run riot following a ministerial decree he issued banning small taxis popularly known as Toyota Vitz from operating outside the capital city Hargeisa, Somaliland Sun reported. The arrest and riot claims are unconfirmed allegations the minister denies. "As I'm aware my ministry hasn't ordered the arrest of anyone so I don't know where you are getting your information," the minister said, as reported by Somaliland Sun.
The reported ministerial decree banning Toyota Vitz taxis from operating outside Hargeisa was referenced by Somaliland Sun without a date, reference number or text.
What the report does not establish
The Somaliland Sun report does not state the date of the meeting beyond the 2018-12-12 article date. It does not record any outcome, resolutions, findings, recommendations or vote of the committee. No subject matter of the inquiry is specified beyond "issues in his ministry" and "state of affairs under his docket."
The report does not establish that any arrests occurred. No number of arrests, victims, or police or ministry confirmation are provided. The ministerial decree banning Toyota Vitz outside Hargeisa is not verified as an official instrument; no date, number or text is available.
The report gives no indication of what happened to the minister, the decree or the alleged arrests after 2018-12-12.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns were raised at the parliamentary committee hearing?
The committee chairman said the minister was called to inquire about issues in his ministry and answered questions on the state of affairs under his docket, but specific concerns were not detailed.
How did the minister respond to questions about arrests and the Toyota Vitz ban?
The minister said his ministry has not ordered the arrest of anyone and refuted claims he ordered arrests of hundreds of youths after a reported decree banning Toyota Vitz taxis outside Hargeisa.
What actions are expected as a result of the hearing?
The report does not indicate any follow-up actions, resolutions, or outcomes. No post-2018-12-12 developments are stated.
Sources
Local reporting: this article is written for building work in Somaliland. Ground conditions, prices and rules differ between places; confirm the details for your own site.