Somaliland Ministry of Interior and Security Issues Warning Over Unauthorized Meetings in saylac, Selel Region

Hargeisa (Hornpost) The Ministry of Interior and Security of the Republic of Somaliland Abdale Mohamed Arab has issued a directive instructing the Governor of Selel region that no public meeting or conference may be held in the region without prior authorization from the Somaliland government.

Press Release:

“The Ministry of Interior and Security of the Republic of Somaliland has issued a directive instructing the Governor of Selel region that no public meeting or conference may be held in the region without prior authorization from the Somaliland government.

According to the Ministry, any individual or group that announces, organizes, or calls for a meeting without official approval — particularly one that could undermine national security — will face legal action.

“Anyone who declares or calls for a meeting without the authorization of the Somaliland government will be subjected to lawful measures and brought before the relevant legal authorities,” the statement said.

The Ministry emphasized that regional security and public order fall under state jurisdiction, and that unauthorized gatherings will not be tolerated.”

The Ministry of Interior and Security of the Republic of Somaliland Abdale Mohamed Arab

Background to the Dispute:

The Interior Ministry’s statement follows a recent dispute in Saylac, Selel region, where a public event was planned to commemorate the Xeer Ciise legal code, a traditional customary law framework that the United Nations recently documented and recognized as part of Somali cultural heritage. The planned ceremony drew opposition from some community members, elders, and youth in the Awdal region, who argued that certain sections of the text do not reflect the political reality of Somaliland’s independence. They claimed the book and its historical interpretations were not aligned with Somaliland’s statehood narrative, prompting public objections to the event.

Local elders reportedly warned that hosting the ceremony without consultation could fuel political tension in the region. The government’s directive appears intended to prevent unsanctioned gatherings linked to the dispute and to avoid activities that might inflame community sensitivities.

Prepared by

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