Sacred or Symbolic? The Fierce Battle Over Somaliland’s Flag and Faith. A top cleric slams the misuse of the Shahada on the national flag—sparking a fiery debate about Islam, secularism, and national identity.

As Somaliland prepares for its annual May 18 independence celebrations, a cultural and political storm is brewing. The cause? A growing public dispute over the use—and perceived misuse—of the Islamic declaration of faith, the Shahada, on the national flag.

What began as a clerical warning has evolved into a full-blown identity debate. It’s not just about symbols. It’s about what kind of country Somaliland is becoming.

The Flag and the Faith

The flag of Somaliland features the Islamic Tawheed (“La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur rasulullah”)—the core creed of the Muslim faith. To many, it is a proud marker of Somaliland’s Islamic identity. But for Sheikh Mustafa Haji Ismail Harun, one of Somaliland’s most influential clerics, the way this sacred phrase is being used borders on desecration.

In a viral video, Sheikh Mustafa decried the flag’s casual use—particularly by young women wearing it wrapped around their waists or in TikTok clips. “It is ugly,” he said bluntly. His concern: a religious text is being treated as a fashion statement.

His words ignited a wildfire.

The Split: Reverence or Overreach?

Some rallied to the Sheikh’s defense, calling for more respect toward Islamic symbols. Others pushed back hard, accusing him of overreach and fearmongering. For them, the Shahada isn’t just a religious phrase—it’s a pillar of national pride.

And then came politics.

Presidency Minister Khadar Hussein Abdi, trying to defuse the situation, recommended that flag producers omit the Shahada from May 18 celebrations—at least temporarily. His message: preserve respect without stirring more tension.

But even that modest suggestion sparked outrage. Critics called it a betrayal of the flag, a soft step toward secularism, or worse, an appeasement to online outrage.

From Flag to Identity Crisis

What started as a religious debate quickly escalated into something deeper. Online, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), the conversation turned toxic. It revealed:

A growing secular vs. Islamic tension, especially among youth in urban areas like Hargeisa.

Disputes over Somaliland’s national identity, with some arguing it is an artificial project clashing with pan-Somali or pan-Islamic values.

Polarized views on religious authority, with some defending clerics like Sheikh Mustafa while others warned against theocratic overreach.

Ethnic undertones, with some resorting to accusations of being “Oromo” or “non-Somalilander” to dismiss dissenting views.

All of this is playing out in real-time across social media, where emotion often trumps nuance and outrage is rewarded with virality.

What’s Actually at Stake

This debate isn’t just about a flag. It’s about what kind of state Somaliland wants to be.

Can a country simultaneously be a democratic republic and an explicitly Islamic one? Can its symbols belong to everyone while also holding sacred value for the faithful? And who gets to decide what’s “appropriate” use of a religious phrase?

The divide is sharp. On one side are those who fear secular drift and want stronger Islamic identity. On the other, those who worry about creeping religious authoritarianism and want symbols like the flag to remain civic, not clerical.

Some warn of “Shahada fatigue”—where overexposure to religious language on flags, t-shirts, and car stickers diminishes its sacredness and opens it to disrespect, however unintended.

Others argue that removing the Tawheed even once sets a precedent—and risks diluting Somaliland’s cultural distinctiveness in a region where Islamic and national identity have historically gone hand in hand.

A Defining Test for Irro’s Government

This moment is also a test for President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, who has positioned himself as a unifier and reformer. His administration faces a sensitive task: to mediate without alienating either religious leaders or secular-minded youth.

If handled poorly, the flag debate could widen rifts across Somaliland’s political and generational divides. If handled wisely, it could model how a deeply religious but aspiring democratic society can resolve identity tensions without fracturing.

The outcome will ripple beyond May 18.

The challenge is clear: Somaliland must decide whether religious symbolism can coexist with civic representation—and if so, how.

Should a national symbol be modified out of respect for faith? Or does that sacrifice national unity for religious appeasement? Can religious leaders speak for the nation, or only to their congregations?

There are no easy answers. But if Somaliland wants international recognition, it must also show it can manage internal conflict—especially the kind that cuts to the heart of identity.

With just days until May 18, all eyes are on how the government, the clerics, and the people navigate this symbolic but significant test.

The Tawheed Flag Debate – Faith, Identity, and the May 18 Celebrations in Somaliland

Somaliland security forces detain Libaan Hussein, known for tribal mockery and viral disinformation videos, amid growing crackdown on anti-state propaganda.

Libaan Hussein, infamous for mocking Somaliland’s statehood and spreading tribal propaganda, has been arrested. A major blow to online disinformation.

In an operation that has lit up every tea house and social media feed in Somaliland, the most delusional man of the diaspora—Liiban Hussein—has been arrested.

The man once dubbed the “Fool of Laughter” thought the streets of Hargeisa were his stage, parading his fantasy of influence as if Somaliland politics was a sitcom written just for him. But tonight, the show is over.

The Trap Was Set Long Ago

When Libaan returned from London earlier this year, Somalilanders were shocked—not by his arrival, but by the fact he wasn’t arrested. But sources confirm to WARYATV that this was not negligence; it was strategy.

“He was watched from the moment he landed,” a senior security official told WARYATV. “We wanted to map his network—13 of his close associates are now under surveillance. Some are next.”

False Flags and Facebook Fraud

Libaan was never part of the ruling Waddani party—but that didn’t stop him from launching pages, collecting money, and faking proximity to power. He misled diaspora supporters, built a tribe-baiting media persona, and tried to carve a political role for himself out of thin air. Now, his schemes have collapsed.

“He wasn’t a politician,” said Hussein Adan, a source close to the security services. “He was a delusional actor. But actors forget—this isn’t theater. This is Somaliland.”

Seven Years of Silence Await

According to confidential sources from the prosecution office, Libaan may face up to seven years in prison—not just for incitement and fraud, but for defaming Somaliland’s integrity and exploiting political tensions for personal gain.

His insults toward former President Muse Bihi Abdi are well-documented. His efforts to divide Somaliland by clan, manipulate diaspora funds, and provoke during the sacred build-up to May 18 celebrations have not gone unnoticed.

Now the Fool Faces the Consequence

Libaan offered olive branches to men holding torches—then wondered why the forest burned. He thought applause meant approval, not a signal of surveillance. He thought being loud meant being powerful. But the Somaliland government—especially under President Irro’s silent doctrine—lets men like Libaan dig their own political graves.

As one senior analyst put it:

“Liiban walks like a man auditioning for a role that doesn’t exist. What he failed to see were the silent stares, the paused conversations, the quiet reshuffle of chess pieces. And now, the curtain drops.”

The only question left on everyone’s lips: Who’s next?

A viral wave of YouTube propaganda has swept through Somaliland over the past seven days, pushing a disturbing narrative: that the future of Somaliland lies in the hands of a military strongman modeled after Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré.

But behind the glorified clips of junta rule and flashy edits praising “African resistance,” lies something far more dangerous: a foreign information warfare campaign rooted in Moscow.

WARYATV’s investigation has identified more than 17 Somaliland-based Social Media channels actively promoting anti-Western, pro-military content that mimics Russian disinformation operations previously seen in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

The common thread? A mix of radical anti-democracy rhetoric, glorification of Russian mercenary groups, and subtle calls for a new leadership model in Somaliland—one that mirrors the juntas Russia now props up in the Sahel.

Saleban Ismail Hashin, a prominent Somaliland political and military analyst, warns that these campaigns are not merely a “trend” but a psychological warfare operation aimed at destabilizing the region. “It is terrifying to see how Traoré is being presented as the ‘ideal Somali leader’ by YouTubers from Hargeisa to London,” he told WARYATV. “These are young minds being manipulated by edited footage, fake subtitles, and Russian-fed narratives.”

In a now-viral Somali-language video posted March 19, Traoré is depicted as a pan-African savior, with calls for Somaliland to “rise against the elites” and “reject colonial puppets” — coded language eerily similar to that used by Russian-funded networks in West Africa.

Our investigation reveals that some of the accounts involved recycle content from a now-defunct propaganda network linked to Jean Claude Sendeoli, a deceased Central African propagandist known for early Russia-Africa disinfo collaboration.

A Hybrid Warfront Arrives in Hargeisa

This is the first documented case tying Somaliland directly to Moscow’s hybrid warfare strategy in Africa. The same Russia that failed to prevent mass killings and insurgencies in the Sahel is now turning its attention east. The pattern is familiar: misinformation, local influencer recruitment, chaos, and ultimately resource extraction.

According to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (2024), Russia is responsible for more than 80 of 200 known state-backed disinformation campaigns across the continent. China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar trail far behind. But Somaliland now finds itself caught in the web.

From Troll Farms to TikTok in Hargeisa

Ayan Ali, an East African intelligence analyst who monitors social networks from Hargeisa, says Russia’s digital strategy is no longer top-down. “It’s evolved into a network of decentralized actors. You get the original framing from Moscow, but the delivery comes from local influencers who dress it in nationalist and religious language,” she explained to WARYATV.

“They’re not speaking in Kremlin slogans,” she adds. “They’re saying, ‘Somaliland deserves a new revolutionary path.’ That makes it harder to detect and easier to swallow.”

Shaking the Somaliland Elite

This should be a wake-up call for Somaliland’s political class. The silence of those who should know better is deafening. Young people, disillusioned by unemployment and tribal deadlock, are being pulled toward narratives that promise purity through authoritarianism. The danger is not hypothetical. It’s uploading right now on your child’s phone.

Traoré is not the future of Somaliland. But unless leaders act fast to counter this digital insurgency, the next generation may believe otherwise.

In a historic motion, Somaliland’s parliament moves to formally block future negotiations with the Somali federal government, escalating tensions after the controversial recognition of Khaatumo.

In what may become a landmark shift in Somaliland’s statecraft, at least 30 lawmakers have submitted a motion to permanently suspend any future negotiations with the Federal Government of Somalia. Speaker Yasin Haji Mohamud Faratoon confirmed the motion has been accepted and referred to the House’s legal advisors.

The move follows Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre’s high-profile visit to Las Anod and his declaration recognizing Khaatumo as a federal member state. For many in Somaliland, that wasn’t just a political provocation—it was a red line.

What sets this motion apart is that it seeks legal codification of Somaliland’s decades-long frustration. While executive orders have previously frozen dialogue, this legislative act would make resuming talks legally impossible without new parliamentary approval—effectively closing the door on Mogadishu unless significant constitutional and political changes occur.

This could spell the formal end to a diplomatic process that began in London in 2012. Initiated with hope under President Silanyo, the talks have achieved little but optics. Now, with sovereignty increasingly weaponized by Somalia’s political elite and territorial provocations in Sool turning deadly, Somaliland’s patience appears exhausted.

If passed, the motion won’t just be a rejection of future talks—it will be a bold declaration that Somaliland no longer seeks validation from Mogadishu, but recognition from the world.

The Thinkers, Technocrats, and Strategists Reshaping the Future. They don’t shout. They don’t campaign. But they’re quietly dismantling tribal politics from within. Meet the new minds behind Somaliland President Irro’s silent revolution—and why the old elite should be afraid.

While much of the nation watches President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro’s every move, a quieter revolution is underway — not on podiums or press conferences, but in boardrooms and policy chambers. A network of disciplined, highly-educated, and mostly anonymous reformers are quietly crafting the architecture of a new Somaliland.

These seven individuals, handpicked by Irro himself, are the new class of national thinkers. They are technocrats, security strategists, and economists who speak in data, not clan. For a nation tired of recycled politics, they are the soft power behind the president’s hardline shift to meritocracy.

1. The Financial Fixer An IMF-trained economist with a record of reforming African banking systems now oversees the audit and restructuring of Somaliland’s public finance apparatus. Known in Hargeisa by his nickname, “The Firewall,” his presence is already forcing outdated fiscal practices into extinction.

2. The Digital Architect A 34-year-old cybersecurity expert with credentials from Estonia and Rwanda is quietly building a national digital governance framework. His team is currently working under a veil of secrecy in Hargeisa’s Ministry of Technology, developing the e-Somaliland prototype that could digitize IDs, land deeds, and elections.

3. The Military Mind A retired colonel with AU field credentials is advising the President on civilian-military restructuring. His influence is visible in the recent civilian integration into national defense planning — notably the peaceful demobilization efforts in Ceel-Afweyn.

4. The Peace Whisperer A veteran conflict resolution expert formerly stationed with the UN in South Sudan has joined the Peace Committee as a shadow coordinator. Her fingerprints are all over the new Jigjiga backchannel strategy with the Lasanod clan factions.

5. The Diplomatic Ghost A former diplomat from the Somali government in the 1980s, believed to have been trained in the Eastern Bloc, now serves as President Irro’s unofficial advisor on regional geopolitics. His doctrine? “Speak once. Win twice.” His influence was behind Somaliland’s recent non-response to Somalia provocations — a masterclass in restraint.

6. The Education Disruptor A US-educated academic is reengineering the national curriculum with a focus on science, Somali heritage, and entrepreneurship. Sources say he’s already identified 20 outdated policies in the Ministry of Education.

7. The Narrative Engineer A London-based media strategist turned national advisor is crafting a new voice for Somaliland. Her team is reportedly working on a rebranding campaign aimed at international recognition, starting with a multilingual “Somaliland Rising” documentary.

Who’s Next? Speculation is swirling that a former Somali-born UNDP official might take over a newly proposed Ministry of Planning and Innovation. There are also whispers of an ex-WHO epidemiologist being courted to lead a reformed national health strategy. In the security sector, a name quietly surfacing is a woman with dual Kenyan-Somalilander nationality, rumored to have worked on counterterrorism with AFRICOM.

These minds aren’t in politics for fame. They’re in it to reset the logic of governance. And in a nation long dominated by tribal allegiances, their rise is nothing short of revolutionary. President Irro hasn’t just built a government. He’s built a new intellectual elite — and Somaliland may never look back.

7 Names on the Table: Irro’s Silent Reshuffle Sparks Panic

As Somaliland prepares to mark May 18, the debate surrounding its flag—specifically, the sacred Islamic phrase written on it—has reignited deep controversy. The issue, driven to the surface by viral remarks from prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Mustafa Haji Ismail Harun, has once again exposed the tension between religious reverence and national celebration.

In a widely circulated video speech, Sheikh Mustafa condemned what he described as the “ugly misuse” of the Shahada—the core declaration of Islamic faith—on the Somaliland flag.

His concern? That the sacred phrase, la ilaha illallah muhammadur rasulullah, is being disrespected, particularly during celebrations where young women wear the flag inappropriately, often to attract social media attention. The sheikh called it a desecration, not patriotism.

His rebuke hit a nerve. Within hours, social media platforms lit up with fierce debate—across Somaliland and in the diaspora. Some hailed the sheikh’s warning as overdue, saying the casual and often provocative display of the Tawheed phrase amounts to sacrilege. Others, however, pushed back, arguing that the phrase is an integral part of the national identity and removing it would be an erasure of what makes Somaliland unique in the Horn of Africa: a Muslim democracy flying its Islamic faith proudly.

Presidency Minister Khadar Hussein Abdi took a measured but consequential step. He issued guidance—not an official directive—to printing houses to exclude the Tawheed from flags made for this year’s celebrations. His reasoning? To avoid misuse and protect the sanctity of the phrase. He signaling that the government is taking the issue seriously.

Still, critics argue that modifying the flag, even temporarily, undermines Somaliland’s self-image. “Without the Shahada,” one commenter said online, “our flag becomes just another piece of cloth.” Others insist the phrase should never be commercialized or worn on parts of the body that invite disrespect, like around the waist or across the back.

The debate is not merely symbolic. It cuts to the heart of Somaliland’s identity: Can a nation celebrate its independence with pride while preserving the sanctity of its religious symbols? Sheikh Mustafa says no. Minister Khadar is trying to find a middle ground.

And for Somalilanders, the countdown to May 18 now carries a deeper question: How do you honor both God and country—without offending either?

Somaliland President champions faith, national unity, and moral leadership at historic mosque opening.

President Irro attends the inauguration of Hargeisa’s newly constructed six-story Nurul Hudaa Mosque, emphasizing faith, national unity, and his administration’s commitment to peace.

In just four short months since taking office, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has demonstrated unwavering dedication to building a united and peaceful Somaliland. His leadership exemplifies humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to fostering harmony among all citizens. Under his guidance, Somaliland is experiencing a new era where faith and national unity serve as the pillars supporting its bright future.

Recently, President Irro attended the grand inauguration of the magnificent Nurul Hudaa Mosque in Hargeisa—a symbol of spiritual strength and community resilience. The six-story mosque, a marvel of architecture and devotion, stands proudly in the heart of Somaliland’s capital, inviting people from all walks of life to come together in prayer and reflection.

This momentous occasion was more than just the opening of a religious center; it was a celebration of Somaliland’s enduring unity and faith. President Irro emphasized that in Somaliland, faith is a vital thread woven into the fabric of national identity. His words resonated with hope and determination: “This mosque is a triumph of faith and solidarity, a beacon of hope for our nation’s moral and spiritual growth.”

A figure of inspiring leadership, President Irro expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed Grand Mufti of Somaliland, Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Omer Dirir.

Grand Mufti of Somaliland, Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Omer Dirir

The respected religious scholar has been a guiding light for Somaliland’s spiritual life, and under his wise leadership, faith continues to inspire progress and unity across the nation. The President’s admiration for Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Omer Dirir highlights his commitment to fostering strong religious institutions that bolster peace and moral integrity.

In his address, President Irro made a compelling call for unity, emphasizing that Somaliland’s strength lies in its people’s togetherness and shared values. “Our country’s progress depends on harmony, respect, and faith in each other,” he declared. “We are committed to a humble, service-oriented government that places the well-being of our people above all else.”

Despite the challenges, President Irro’s early months in office have been marked by tangible achievements—restoring peace in Ceel-Afweyn, reopening dialogue in the Sool region, and nurturing an environment where every citizen’s voice matters. His focus is clear: unite Somaliland through peace, faith, and participatory governance.

The inauguration of the Nurul Hudaa Mosque symbolizes Somaliland’s hope for a future where spiritual and social harmony thrive side by side. President Irro’s leadership continues to be admired by the people for putting unity and moral integrity at the forefront of his presidency. His genuine dedication to serving Somaliland’s diverse communities and uplifting its spiritual fabric underscores his promise: Somaliland’s future is bright, built on the strong foundations of faith, unity, and shared values.

As Somaliland moves forward, the nation stands proud of its resilient people and visionary leader—guided by faith, strengthened by unity, and inspired by a shared dedication to peace and progress.

Ministry of Interior warns undocumented foreigners must register by May 26 for temporary stay — failure to comply will lead to legal action.

The Government of Somaliland has issued a revised directive requiring all undocumented foreign nationals within its territory to register for temporary residency by May 26, 2025, or face legal consequences.

The Ministry of Interior announced the order in a statement released Thursday, urging all foreigners without legal documentation to visit immigration offices to formalize their status. Applicants will be required to submit official forms and pay a registration tax in order to receive temporary residency permits.

“All foreigners in the country are ordered to register with the immigration departments of the Somaliland Ministry of Interior within three weeks, starting from May 6, 2025, and ending on May 26, 2025,” the statement read.

The announcement comes as a modification to a previous order issued on April 29, which had given undocumented migrants only three days to leave the country — a directive that sparked concern among foreign missions, particularly Ethiopia, which maintains close ties with Somaliland.

According to diplomatic sources, Ethiopian Special Representative Teshome Shunde Hamito met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro earlier this week and reportedly requested an easing of the expulsion notice to better accommodate Ethiopian citizens living and working in the territory.

Thousands of Ethiopians, primarily employed in informal sectors, reside in Somaliland. The government has occasionally carried out deportations in past years as part of broader immigration enforcement measures.

Foreigners who plan to depart Somaliland have also been instructed to register their exit at official border points to avoid complications.

The Ministry warned that failure to comply by May 26 will result in legal action, but emphasized that those who register within the deadline will be granted temporary legal status.