THE EU STRONGLY OPPOSES EXECUTION OF INMATES IN SOMALILAND PRISONS

January 16, 2020:

The European Union Ambassador of Somalia Nicolas Berlanga firmly expressed opposition over death penalty after police carried out the execution of six inmates in Mandera Prison near Berbera on 15 January 2020 morning. “The EU holds a strong and principled position against the death penalty in all circumstances and for all cases,” said the EU Ambassador in a tweet posted on his official Twitter account. Also speaking on the current challenges facing Somaliland’s government, the Ambassador highlighted significant hurdles to be addressed before the upcoming elections.
The EU provides millions of Euros in aid to Somaliland’s government, paying the salaries of police and custodial corps in addition to the partial management of major Prisons in Hargeisa and Mandera. This statement has come following the execution of six inmates in Mandera Prison near the port city of Berbera after a court sentenced them to death. Sources say the EU officials in Hargeisa were not aware of the move after multiple times they stood firmly against the execution of inmates sentenced to death by courts in the breakaway state of Somaliland.