Social activist Abdimalik Coldon arrested in Somaliland over President Farmaajo’s support

Social activist and vocal supporter of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo Abdimali, Abdimalik Muuse Coldon has been arrested in Hargeisa over claims he campaigned for President Farmaajo in the just concluded presidential elections.

Coldon who is popularly known for his support for social causes through media was arrested and detained by police in the capital of Somaliland, Hargeisa upon return from Mogadishu.

Goobjoog News spoke with his mother Fadumo Roble Hussein in Burco and she confirmed her son’s arrest and noted the police have asked her to travel to Hargeisa for interrogation over her son’s involvement in President Farmaajo’s campaigns.

“I do not exactly know why they arrested him but I have been told they are asking why my son is supporting president Farmaajo. I am myself a strong supporter of President Farmaajo,” said Fadumo.

She said the Criminal Investigations Department in Hargeisa have asked her to travel there but she does not have the means and that the place is far from her home.

The arrest of Coldon for association with Mogadishu is not a new incident in Somaliland. Members of Hidigaha Geska music band were arrested in Hargeisa last year after a performance in Mogadishu. Authorities accused them of waving the national flag during their performance in Mogadishu.

Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 but is yet to gain international recognition. Members of parliament (both senate and lower house) from Somaliland participated last week in the election of President Farmaajo.