Hargeisa (Kaab TV) – Somaliland police have arrested Sheikh Mohamed Ali Kaariye, one of Somaliland’s religious scholars, after he posted a message on social media opposing the recognition that the Government of Israel reportedly granted to Somaliland yesterday.
In a post shared on his Facebook page, Kaariye wrote:
“Rise up, rise up, disbelief has come—rise up. Jews have come—rise up. Reject Netanyahu—rise up.”
Sheikh Mohamed Ali Kaariye was reportedly detained shortly after publishing the post.
A statement released by the Somaliland Police said that the forces had arrested individuals accused of openly opposing the recognition, unity, and existence of Somaliland.
The Somaliland Police Command warned that legal action would be taken against anyone involved in activities that undermine the unity, security, and sovereignty of Somaliland.
“We call on the people of the Republic of Somaliland to stand united against such individuals and to share information about them with the Somaliland Police,” the police statement said.
The Ministry of Interior and Security of Somaliland congratulated the public on the recognition and urged citizens to remain vigilant. Police forces were also placed on high alert across Somaliland.
“We inform the public to continue being alert, as has always been the practice, in safeguarding the security and sovereignty of Somaliland, and to keep a close watch on hostile elements who are troubled by the successes achieved by the people,” said a statement from the Ministry of Interior and Security.
The ministry’s statement added: “We warn anyone who attempts, directly or indirectly, to act against the interests of the people, or who tries to cause instability through words or actions, that the security agencies are monitoring closely and remain vigilant.”
The Government of Israel reportedly fully recognized Somaliland yesterday, becoming the first country to do so after 35 years during which Somaliland has been seeking international recognition. Meanwhile, U.S. media outlets report that South Sudan has also recognized Somaliland, although this has not yet been fully confirmed.