A last-minute agreement to pay 100 camels as compensation has spared a murderer's life in Somaliland.
The unnamed man was among five convicts set to be executed in the Madheera area, north-east of Hargesia, the capital of the self-declared republic on Tuesday.
Minutes before the firing squad was given their orders, elders from the families of both the murderer and the victim arrived at the execution site and untied him from a pole.
The other four, who had been found guilty over separate murder charges, were shot dead.
Last-minute interventions at execution sites are not uncommon in Somaliland.
In the traditional justice system, the compensation for a man's murder is 100 camels, but money is often used instead because of a decline in the number of the prized animals in recent years.
This parallel system operates alongside a formal court process which complements or sometimes replaces it entirely.
It has however been criticised because it means people from rich families can buy their freedom while the poor can't.
Latest Stories
-
UEW expels postgraduate student over massive admission and certificate fraud scheme
9 minutes -
GNPC’s EXPLORCO to drill first Voltaian Basin Well in 2026 as Ghana courts energy investors
11 minutes -
“We have been caged” – GAFORB urges BoG to reassess forex operational guidelines
26 minutes -
The idea is to give everyone a chance in football – CAF rep on African Schools Football Championship
1 hour -
MP Jerry Ahmed Shaib sounds alarm over prolonged ‘dumsor’ in Weija‑Gbawe, demands urgent action
1 hour -
Women and Girls Bleed Too: Shining the Light on haemophilia and bleeding disorders in Women and girls
1 hour -
‘Our galamsey fight is nothing but staged drama until the kingpins are dealt with’ – Prof Boadi
2 hours -
Ramadan Cup: Kudus, Kamaldeen donate trophy, medals and cash prize for 10th edition
2 hours -
Gov’t must act to end banditry and domestic terrorism in Bawku – Mamprugu Overlord
2 hours -
A/R Minister announces plans to relocate Kumasi Central Prisons to help decongest the city
2 hours -
Your jobs are safe – Lands Minister assures Damang Mines workers
4 hours -
UNICEF and REMAPSEN host World Health Day webinar
4 hours -
Kumasi ready to buzz with Luv FM Family Party in the Park
4 hours -
Catholic Bishop of Goaso Diocese solicits stakeholder collaboration to ensure peace
4 hours -
9 devastating student deaths that sent shockwaves across the country
4 hours