On Saturday, a female Somali Member of Parliament (MP) caused controversy by threatening to shoot anyone criticizing the breakaway region of Somaliland.
The statement by Somali lawmaker Gobsan Muhumed, threatening to respond with “five bullets” to critics of the breakaway region of Somaliland, indeed sparked significant controversy.
Her remarks were made in response to accusations from fellow legislator Hassan Abdi Ismail, who criticized lawmakers from their shared constituency for being “IDPs living in Mogadishu” and lacking proper representation.
This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Somaliland’s self-declared independence, which has not been internationally recognized, and the broader political divisions within Somalia.
Gobsan’s threat has drawn criticism for its violent rhetoric, which could exacerbate existing political and regional tensions.
Such statements are particularly concerning in a fragile political environment where dialogue and reconciliation are crucial for stability.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by Somali lawmakers in addressing grievances and fostering unity, especially in the context of Somaliland’s contested status and the broader efforts to rebuild Somalia’s governance structures.