Exiled Former Interior Minister of Siyad Bare regime will return to Somaliland

 

Last updated: April 13, 2011

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HARGEISA (SomalilandPress)–A long time politician in Somalia, General Jama Mohamed Qalib is expected to return to Somaliland via Egal International Airport during the Eid festival. It was in 2003 when General Qalib landed in Berbera Airport after his return from Somali reconciliation conference that he was arrested on arrival. Mr. Qalib was held for several days before he was exiled to Djibouti after he told former President Egal that he would not renounce his support for Somali reunification.

General Qalib was the longest serving Interior Minister during Siyad Bare era which earned him the nick name “the Iron Minister”. The Minister and his former boss former President Siyad Bare disagreed on the role the General played the development of Somali National Movement (SNM) which at that time was fighting the government. Some believed General Qalib was giving top secrets to SNM because of his tribal lineage, however it was never proven. The General currently works for the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
SomalilandPress reporter Abdiqani Baynah in Hargeisa was able to confirm with Abdirahman Jama Mohamed the son of General Jama Qalib the rumors that his father is expected to arrive Somaliland next week. Mr. Abdirahm Jama Mohamed told SomalilandPress that his father is expected to arrive in Somaliland sometime next week after his father and Somaliland President Ahmed Siilaanyo where able to have a mutual agreement. Currently there is no official news from the government in this matter.
Political experts in Hargeisa are saying that General Qalib and Somaliland President Ahmed Siilaanyo have a close relationship that dates back to when Mr. Siilanyo was the chairman of SNM and the general was the Interior Minister.
Source: SomalilandPress| Friday September 3, 2010
Reported By: Abdiqani Baynah & Isahaq Ahmed edited by Mohamed Ibrahim