Shia National Imam wants GITMO 2 detainees repatriated

The National Imam of the Shia Muslim community, Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Kamaludeen has called for the repatriation of the two ex-GITMO detainees, describing their existence in the country as a ‘threat to the security of the nation’.

In a statement released on Thursday, January 25, the Imam appealed to politicians to desist from politicizing the issue and adopt a nationalistic approach to dealing with the repatriation or otherwise of Muhammad Bin Atef and Khalid Muhammad Salih Al-Dhuby.

Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, told Parliament on January 24, 2018, the two have been given refugee status and are therefore the responsibility of the Ghana government.

“No exit arrangements were originally discussed between the two governments to end the bilateral arrangement at the time of negotiations. The government at the time granted the two detainees refugee status. This followed a request by National Security to the then-Chairman of the Ghana Refugee Board. They have issued a decision letter dated 21st July 2016, recognizing their status as refugees”, she told the legislators.

According to the Imam, Ghana risks a terrorist attack with the existence of the two in the country.

Below is the statement

Shia National Imam Renews Call for Repatriation of Ex-GITMO 2 Detainees

Considering the debates that ensued about the fate of the Gitmo 2 expressed by section of the politicians and members of parliament, the office of Shia National Imam is disappointed about the politicization of the issue. Terrorism is a global phenomenon that is as old as human industry, so when people try to stop or control it through politicization; it invariably creates a whole host of security challenges for the country.

We wish to reiterate that the existence of Muhammad Bin Atef and Khalid Muhammad Salih Al-Dhuby still poses a fundamental threat to the security of the nation. These individuals may seek to reengage in insurgent activities once they get the opportunity owing to the experience they have acquired with terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda. We therefore demand that they should be repatriated to any of the Middle Eastern countries or elsewhere where they can best integrate.

The consolidation of bilateral ties between two countries does not mean we should accept the liability or risk created by a country`s geo-political miscalculation. As a Supper power with a strong economy, military and security aparatus, if those individuals were really not a threat to national security, the United States may have been the best place for them stay and not Ghana.

Our hospitality, compassion and kindness must not be extended to terrorists who have not undergone any de-radicalization orientation. Since the ideology is still profoundly entrenched in them coupled with the vast military experience they have acquired, they are still a threat to the security of the country.

Most of the Ex-Guantanamo Bay detainees were reported to have returned and actively participated in insurgency after being released by the US. Muhammad Bin Atef and Khalid Muhammad Salih Al-Dhuby are not an exception. We are of the conviction that these two will re-engage in terrorism once they get the slightest opportunity.

We therefore call on Government to find means and ways to repatriate them. Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Kamaludeen Shia National Imam, Ghana 0240707631