MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Former president of Somalia Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Thursday condemned the government’s decision to stop a female MP from the Southwest state from traveling to Baidoa amid simmering tensions between federal and regional leaders.
MP Saredo Mohamed Abdalla informed the media that a plain-clothed man confiscated her ticket at Mogadishu airport and instructed the plane to depart, claiming she was wanted by an unidentified police official. She noted that no one has since approached or contacted her to provide any explanation.
Sharif underscored that this action violates citizens’ right to freedom of movement, which is guaranteed by the country’s constitution.
“In his time as opposition leader, Somalia’s current president criticized restrictions on citizens’ freedom of movement,” the former President said in a statement on X.
“It’s unfortunate to observe these issues resurfacing now, demonstrating a failure to draw lessons from the past.”
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