Hornpost
Somaliland Citizen Detained After Interview Criticizing Somalia’s New E-Visa Policy
HARGEISA – (Hornpost) A Somaliland citizen, Abdilahi Hussein, has confirmed that he was detained on Monday night following remarks he made in a televised interview about Somalia’s newly introduced E-visa requirement for travelers arriving from abroad.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Abdilahi Hussein said he was taken into custody in Hargeisa after appearing on MMTV, where he discussed the impact of the policy on Somalilanders living in the diaspora. He claimed that individuals close to Somaliland’s President, Muse Bihi Abdi, were unhappy with the idea of the government openly opposing the e-visa system imposed by Mogadishu.
According to his Facebook post, he accused MP Hasan Ogaal, a member of the Somaliland House of Representatives, of requesting police action against him.
“Because of an interview I gave to MMTV, I am now being taken to CID police in Hargeisa. MP Xasan Ogaal asked the police chief to have me arrested. Somaliland and freedom of speech, here it is,” he wrote.
So far, there has been no official statement from Somaliland’s Police Force regarding the arrest.
Abdilahi Hussein is among the Somaliland diaspora who returned to invest in the country and is known as the owner of Qurtuba Hotel in Hargeisa.
The recent e-visa policy introduced by the Federal Government of Somalia has drawn criticism from Somalilanders abroad, who argue it complicates travel, particularly for those returning for business or family visits.
Background: Somalia’s New E-Visa Requirement
In late 2025, the Federal Government of Somalia introduced a mandatory electronic visa (e-visa) system for all travelers arriving from abroad, including Somaliland citizens living in the diaspora.
Under the new rule, passengers must apply and pay for a visa online before boarding flights to Somalia-administered airports. While the system was promoted as a modern security and immigration reform, it sparked backlash among many Somalilanders abroad.
Critics argue that:
It complicates travel for diaspora families returning to Hargeisa, Berbera, and other cities.
It is viewed as a political pressure tool, since Somaliland-issued travel documents are often rejected.
The policy forces Somaliland travelers to legally recognize Mogadishu’s authority, which contradicts Somaliland’s claim of independence.
Airlines flying to Hargeisa have also faced delays, as passengers without the e-visa were reportedly denied boarding at foreign airports.
Somaliland officials have not issued a formal diplomatic response, but public complaints and online debates have continued to grow—especially among returnee investors, students, and families who frequently travel through international airports.
Prepared by
Hornpost staff Reporter
