Somaliland Bans Participation in Somalia’s Political Activities, Threatens Legal Action Against Violators

GOOBJOOG NEWS|HARGEISA: Somaliland authorities have issued a directive prohibiting residents, politicians and other individuals from participating in Somalia’s political activities, warning that anyone found violating the ban could face legal action, including prosecution.

In a ministerial circular dated October 28, 2026, Somaliland’s Minister of Interior and Security, Abdalle Mohamed Arab, ordered the enforcement of a 2003 parliamentary resolution banning participation in Somalia’s political affairs, describing such involvement as a violation of Somaliland’s claimed independence, sovereignty and statehood.

The directive applies to government officials, politicians, traditional elders, intellectuals, businesspeople, civil society organisations and other members of the public, regardless of their positions or social standing.

“Anyone who participates in Somalia’s political activities prohibited by the joint parliamentary resolution will face legal action,” the ministry said in the circular, adding that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws.

The ministry cited a joint resolution, referenced JSL/GB/01/10/2003 and dated October 11, 2003, adopted by Somaliland’s House of Representatives and House of Elders, which prohibited participation in Somalia’s political activities.

It also referenced Article 22(j) and Article 29 of Law No. 71/2025, concerning amendments to the legislation governing ministries and autonomous government agencies, as part of the legal basis for the directive.

The circular accused Somalia’s federal government of pursuing activities intended to undermine Somaliland’s independence and sovereignty, alleging that some traditional leaders from Somaliland had been involved in such efforts.

The ministry warned that individuals travelling from Somaliland to participate in political activities in Somalia, or engaging in actions considered detrimental to Somaliland’s sovereignty, would be prosecuted and brought before the competent courts.

Security agencies were instructed to enforce the parliamentary resolution and refer suspected offenders to the relevant judicial authorities for prosecution.

The directive also called on Somaliland communities at home and abroad to unite against what the ministry described as attempts to undermine the territory’s independence, existence and sovereignty.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government and has since maintained its own political institutions, security forces and electoral system. However, its claim to independence remains internationally disputed, while the Federal Government of Somalia considers Somaliland an integral part of the country.

The relationship between Mogadishu and Hargeisa has long been characterised by disagreements over sovereignty, political representation and territorial authority.

Somaliland has consistently opposed political arrangements that it considers an infringement on its claimed independence, while Somalia’s federal authorities maintain that the country’s unity and territorial integrity must be preserved.

The latest directive reinforces Hargeisa’s longstanding position against participation in Somalia’s federal political institutions and signals the possibility of stricter enforcement against individuals accused of maintaining political links with Mogadishu.

The circular does not specify particular individuals accused of violating the prohibition or provide details of any pending prosecutions.