By Horn Africa News
HARGEISA – Authorities in Hargeisa have arrested popular Somali singer Abdirisak Anshah, who recently returned from trips to Mogadishu and Lasanod.
The circumstances surrounding his detention remain unclear, and officials have not yet issued a formal statement on the reasons behind the arrest. However, his recent visits to Mogadishu — Somalia’s capital — and Lasanod, a city that has been at the center of political and military tensions, have raised speculation over the motives behind the move.
Lasanod, the capital of Sool region, has witnessed months of conflict between Somaliland forces and local militias allied with traditional elders who demand unity with Somalia. The clashes, which escalated in early 2023, displaced thousands of civilians and strained relations between Somaliland and the Somali federal government.
Analysts suggest that Abdirisak Anshah’s travel to both Mogadishu and Lasanod may have been perceived by Somaliland authorities as politically sensitive, particularly at a time when cultural figures and public personalities are increasingly scrutinized for their connections across Somali territories.
The singer’s arrest has sparked debate on social media, with many fans and cultural figures calling for his release. Some described the move as politically motivated, while others argued that it reflects growing restrictions on freedom of movement and expression in Somaliland.
Abdirisak Anshah is widely admired across Somali-speaking regions for his music and lyrical style, which resonate strongly with youth. His detention has now become a flashpoint in the wider conversation about politics, identity, and artistic freedom in the Horn of Africa.
