Mogadishu (HOL) - Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is reportedly weighing the release of Abdi Mahamud Omar, also known as Abdi Iley, the contentious former president of Ethiopia's Somali region. Abdi Iley led the region from 2010 to 2018 and has spent the last four years in detention. Currently awaiting trial in the Ethiopian Federal High Court,he is accused of causing the deathsof dozens of civilians during a violent period under his rule. The charges against him might be dropped, clearing the way for his release.

The establishment of Jubaland by Madobe was supported by Ethiopia, with key backers including former President Abdi Mohamoud Omar 'Iley.' However, a complicated alliance between former Somali President Farmajo, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki led to Madobe losing Ethiopia's support, forcing him to rely on Kenya's backing to secure victory in the Jubaland state elections in August 2019.

During his time in power, Iley ruled with an iron grip, often utilizing the Liyu Police, a paramilitary force he co-founded in 2008 while heading local security. This force has faced numerousaccusations of human rights abusesin the region from organizations like Human Rights Watch.

The current Somali region president, Mustafa Mohammed Omar, is a close ally of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed but a long-time rival of Iley.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his Prosperity Party (PP) may view Iley's potential pardon as a gesture of goodwill toward the Somali community in Ethiopia, the country's third-largest ethnic group, comprising 7% of its population. The Somali region, which shares a border with Somalia, is Ethiopia's second-largest but remains among the poorest. While the pardon could alleviate tensions between the central government and the Somali region, it may also intensify existing divisions within the Somali community. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has faced criticism from some leaders for his insensitive remarks regarding the Karamara Victory during the launch of his third book, 'Generation Medemer.'


Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Mustafa Muhumed, president of Somali Regional State, at the the launching ceremony of his third book ‘Generation Medemer’. PHOTO/ AS

The controversy emerged when Omar appeared alongside Abiy Ahmed at a promotional event in March for the prime minister's latest book. The proceeds from the book were promised to fund the construction of a museum devoted to the Victory of Karamara, a decisive battle during the Ogaden War. The commemoration of this event remains sensitive for Ethiopian Somalis, who remember the numerous massacres they suffered during the conflict, which took the lives of at least 25,000 civilians.

The Congress for Somali Cause (CSC) hascalled onPrime Minister Abiy Ahmed to apologize for his statement made during the book launch event, insisting that it was offensive and insensitive, as it disregarded the "tragic history" of Karamara and sought to further denigrate and humiliate Somalis in Ethiopia.

"The congress sees the Prime Minister's action as a deliberate attempt to erase Somali history in the region and promote a version of Karamarda that Somalis reject. Not only has he offended Somalis, but he has also publicly humiliated the entire leadership of the region who are his subordinates, primarily the President of the region, whose humiliation was evident on his face," reads the statement.

Last month, President Mustafa Omar Cagjar of Ethiopia's Somali regional government met with officers of the Liyu Police Force to discussreform plans. The Liyu Police Force was established to combat rebel forces in the Somali region and will not be disbanded or eliminated, according to Cagjar. The proposed reforms include rebranding the Liyu Police Force as an official police entity, discontinuing military operations at the borders, and issuing new uniforms.