By HAN News Desk
HARGEISA — Two lawmakers in Somaliland’s House of Representatives on Saturday accused the government of intimidation and repression in the western Awdal region, following reports that a young man was arrested for displaying a Palestinian flag during public celebrations linked to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Lawmakers Mohamed Abiib and Maydhane said the detainee, a resident of Borama, Awdal’s main city, was taken into custody after raising a Palestinian flag, while others were allowed to openly wave Israeli flags during celebrations that followed Israel’s announcement recognizing Somaliland.
Speaking at a news conference in Hargeisa, the lawmakers described the arrest as unlawful and discriminatory, arguing that it violated constitutional protections for freedom of expression.
“There is no law that criminalizes raising the Palestinian flag,” Maydhane said. “Freedom of speech is guaranteed under the Somaliland Constitution.”
The lawmakers described Borama as a historically peaceful city and accused authorities of undermining stability through what they characterized as politically motivated arrests. They warned that such actions could inflame tensions in a region that has long complained of political marginalization within Somaliland’s power structure.
Abiib and Maydhane also criticized the government for what they said was a failure to ensure equitable power-sharing among Somaliland’s clans. They warned that continued exclusion of Awdal from senior government positions could have serious political consequences.
“There are only two options,” Maydhane said. “Either the people of Awdal receive their fair share of representation in government, or they will be forced to reconsider their relationship with Somaliland.”
In recent days, several people from Awdal — including religious scholars and intellectuals — have been arrested in Hargeisa after publicly criticizing Somaliland’s ties with Israel, according to multiple sources familiar with the detentions.
Residents and activists say the arrests have disproportionately targeted individuals displaying Palestinian symbols, while those waving Israeli flags have not faced similar action. Somaliland authorities have not publicly responded to the specific allegations.
Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland has drawn strong reactions across Somalia and the wider region, with critics warning the move could violate international law and further destabilize the Horn of Africa. Within Somaliland, the decision has also exposed internal political divisions, particularly in regions that have long raised concerns about representation and governance under the Hargeisa administration.
