Wadani Party, which is Somaliland’s main opposition outfit, has condemned the decision by police to seize cars belonging to Khat traders in the country.
In the last month, the consumption of Khat has reduced drastically across the country because of the decision by the government to ban its sale.
The government of President Muse Bihi Abdi has instituted various measures designed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Banning the sale and consumption of Khat until the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan is part of these measures.
Nevertheless, the ban has not stopped Khat traders from importing and selling the stimulant drug illegally.
Khat is a widely used and quite popular plant across Somaliland.
When announcing the ban on Khat, the government never gave directions on the penalties that would be taken against those who flout the rules.
Consequently, police opted to arrest the traders who continue selling and importing the drug. They also prefer seizing the cars that Khat traders use.
However, Khadar Hussein, the Secretary General of Wadani Party, has condemned this decision. He said, “Police have no legal basis for seizing private property.”
He also castigated the police for using the pandemic to carry out illegal arrests and intimidations.