Somali disability advocacy organizations have expressed concern over what they see as discriminatory remarks made by Speaker of the Somali Parliament, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madoobe, two days ago about a disabled MP.
Mohamed Abdulsalam Diiriye, Chairman of the Somali Disability Empowerment Coalition, has condemned the comments as offensive, arguing that they represent a violation of the rights of people with disabilities. He called on Speaker Madoobe to issue an apology and retract his statement.
“In the last parliamentary session, the Speaker’s remarks caused distress among Somali people with disabilities when he insulted one of the MPs due to his disability,” said Diiriye in an interview with BBC.
Diiriye further revealed that this incident could potentially lead to the MP boycotting future parliamentary sessions. He emphasized that advocacy groups have long been monitoring the protection of the rights of people with special needs in Somalia.
The comments that have sparked outrage among people with disabilities were made when Speaker Madoobe told MP Caana Nuug, “You’re just a cripple; sit down.” This statement has ignited widespread condemnation from disability rights advocates across the country.
