The South African government has denied a visa application by Muse Bihi, the President of Somaliland, a breakaway region in northern Somalia to travel to the country due to concerns of human rights abuses by his administration.
In an official letter addressed to Mr. Bihi’s office and obtained by Horn Examiner, the South African foreign ministry cited credible allegations of human rights abuses for the reason of Bihi’s application denial which comes amid the ongoing bloody conflicts in the eastern Sool region which killed hundreds and injured many more.
However, diplomatic sources suggested that the decision to reject the visa application might also be influenced by South Africa’s desire to maintain diplomatic relations with the Somali government, which considers Somaliland as part of its territory.
Over the years, human rights organizations have raised alarms about alleged human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, restrictions on freedom of expression, and extrajudicial killings in Somaliland.
The Somali government has consistently opposed the secessionist claims of Somaliland and maintains that it is an integral part of the Somali territory.
By rejecting the visa application, South Africa is signaling its support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and aligning itself with the Somali government’s stance on the matter.
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