(24-Feb-23) Hargaisa, Somaliland – Barkhad Jama Batuun, a member of the Somaliland Parliament has resigned from his position as the spokesperson of the WADANI Broad Party. Batuun announced his resignation in a letter posted on his Facebook page, citing his desire to focus on a wide range of work in the parliament and welfare issues in Somaliland.
However, Batuun’s resignation comes amid the ongoing Laascaanood fighting, which has resulted in multiple casualties and displaced civilians. Somaliland President, Musa Bihi, has been criticized for his failure to hold a ceasefire and for shelling the city.
Batuun’s resignation has sparked concerns about the political situation in Somaliland, with many worried that it could worsen the ongoing conflict. However, in his resignation letter, Batuun expressed his hope that the senior leadership of the WADANI Party would accept his resignation and appoint someone who can handle the position.
Batuun had served as the spokesperson of the WADANI Party for five years, during which he played a vital role in the party’s development and success. He thanked everyone who had worked with him during his tenure and expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the people of Somaliland.
In the 2021 Somaliland election, Barkhad Jama Batuun, a human rights activist and the son of a marginalized community from Daami in Hargeisa, achieved a significant feat by securing the highest number of votes ever received by an individual in Somaliland as well as for the National Party of Wadani.