Hargeisa -Somaliland security forces have detained several individuals, including foreign nationals, for organizing a public forum on Somali political affairs, sparking widespread debate and a swift police response.
The event, titled “Understanding Federalism, Constitutional Review, and Elections in Somalia,” was being organized by the Hargeisa-based Consilient Research group. The planned three-night forum ignited significant controversy on social media, with many Somalilander citizens criticizing the government for permitting a discussion on Somali national politics.
In an apparent response to the public backlash, police moved to arrest the organizers. The detentions are seen as a direct measure to prevent the forum from taking place.
The topic is highly sensitive in Somaliland, a region that unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and does not permit political activities related to the Somali federal government.
The Consilient Research group, which works on various projects including some in partnership with the Somalia Stability Fund, remains in custody. Neither the Somaliland police nor government officials have issued an official statement regarding the arrests or the banned forum.
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