2/17/2025
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Somaliland detains pro-unity activists, raising questions about political reforms


Friday January 17, 2025


Shafie Sha'iye (left) and Naima Abwaan Qorane (right), both vocal critics of Somaliland's independence efforts, have recently faced detention and expulsion under the new administration, raising concerns about political repression.

Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland's new government has arrested multiple youth activists and journalists advocating Somali unity, rekindling fears of continued political repression despite a change in leadership.

Observers now question whether President Irro's administration will deliver on reform promises or follow in its predecessor's footsteps.

Among those detained is Shafie Sha'iye, a social media critic of the previous Muse Bihi administration. Shaaciye, who had lived in Mogadishu for years, returned to Hargeisa recently, believing his support for President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi "Irro" would protect him from persecution. He was arrested on Thursday.

Another case involves Liban Hussein, widely known by his online alias "Samatalis." On December 17, 2024, Libaan was barred from boarding a Fly Dubai flight from London to Hargeisa, reportedly due to a directive from the president's office. Libaan is an outspoken supporter of President Irro but has faced accusations of promoting divisive rhetoric.

Activist and poet Naima Abwaan Qorane, renowned for her advocacy of Somali unity, was detained on December 31, 2024, upon her return to Hargeisa. Previously imprisoned under Muse Bihi's administration for her views, Naciima was expelled from Hargeisa following her latest arrest. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to declare, "I was imprisoned for my belief in Somali unity, but I am now more steadfast than ever."

These arrests highlight the enduring risks faced by those critical of Somaliland's independence. Hopes for a more open political climate under President Irro appear to be fading as laws criminalizing dissent remain firmly in place.

Journalists Abdirizaq Terra, Mohamed Yusuf Bakayle, and Abdisalan Germany—all vocal critics of Somaliland's independence bid—have reportedly cancelled planned visits to Hargeisa, citing fears of detention.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, remains internationally unrecognized. While it has garnered praise for its stability compared to southern Somalia, the self-declared republic faces growing scrutiny over its handling of dissent.



 





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