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of the African Virtual University-Indiana University of Pennsylvania Partnership.

The African Star

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Opposition party calls for government to change its attitude

The Chairman of the opposition party, Kulmiye,Ahmed Mohammed Silanyo, yesterday called on the current government to alter their stance towards his party. Silanyo’s request regards the stinging attacks aimed towards the hierarchy of the Kulmiye party. In a speech made during the Kulmiye party’s 2^nd anniversary celebration dinner Silanyo said, “ It seems as if it has become their policy to direct their attention towards Kulmiye. The Information Minister seems to have allocated a set budget in aid of this mission”. This statement has just cause, due to the continuing rivalry between the two parties, a on going saga after the controversy surrounding last years elections.

After recent demonstrations in the capital city, Hargeisa, the latest occurred on May 18^th, the Somaliland Independence Day. The government claimed the up rising to be Kulmiye’s attempt to disturb the peace, which Somaliland has fought so hard to maintain. “Kulmiye is blamed for everything that goes wrong! If the people are angry, Kulmiye is to blame. Kulmiye is a political party not a group of insurgents! Kulmiye is an easy target, if the people protest, its Kulmiye’s making, if the sun is hot, Kulmiye raised the temperature! We can’t win, the government choose the easiest route to deflect their problems” Mr Silanyo said.

During this speech the Kulmiye chairman declared his support to the government and the president Dahir Riyale Kahin, despite being on the receiving end of many personal attacks. “We, as Kulmiye have already stated and repeating our statement that we are ready to support the present government with assistance to aid our plea for recognition. Dahir, I have told you before and I’ll say it again, anything I can assist you with, just let me know” Mr Silanyo said. This is good news because unity within the political arena shows unity as a whole in our peaceful nation.