ADEN — Authorities in Yemen’s southern city of Aden have detained a trade representative of the Somaliland administration, Idris Aden Rage, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
ADEN — Authorities in Yemen’s southern city of Aden have detained a trade representative of the Somaliland administration, Idris Aden Rage, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Rage was taken into custody by authorities in Aden, according to sources familiar with the matter. Initial reports circulating on social media claimed he had been detained by Houthi forces, but subsequent information indicated that the arrest was carried out by authorities aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized government based in Aden.
The reasons for the detention have not been officially disclosed.
The arrest reportedly followed a Somaliland National Day event held on May 18 in Aden, attended by figures linked to Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC), a political and military movement advocating greater autonomy or independence for southern Yemen. Reports from the gathering indicated that the flag of the former People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) was displayed during the event.
Sources say Rage serves as Somaliland’s trade representative and liaison in Aden, facilitating commercial ties and institutional engagement between Somaliland and partners operating in Yemen. He is not believed to hold formal diplomatic or ambassadorial status.
The detention comes despite longstanding economic relations between Aden and Hargeisa. Trade links remain significant, particularly in livestock exports, shipping, and maritime commerce across the Gulf of Aden, one of the region’s key trade corridors.
Sources familiar with the matter said Somaliland authorities have been engaging with Yemeni officials in an effort to secure Rage’s release and obtain clarification regarding the legal basis for his detention.
Yemen continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Somalia’s federal government and has repeatedly reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internationally recognized borders.
As of publication, neither Yemeni authorities nor Somaliland officials have provided a detailed public explanation for the detention.
The incident has attracted attention across the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding issues of sovereignty, diplomatic recognition, and regional alliances. Observers say the case could have broader implications for Somaliland’s unofficial foreign representations in parts of the Arab world and its efforts to expand economic and political engagement abroad.
