Hargeisa (PP News Desk) — As the thirty-fourth anniversary of the unilateral secession in parts of northern Somalia approaches, a prominent religious leader and a Member of Parliament of the Somaliland administration in Hargeisa have raised objections to what they described as the desecration of the Somaliland flag.
Sheikh Mustafe Ismail, a leading educator, criticised the practice of disrespecting the Shahada, the declaration of Islamic faith emblazoned on the Somaliland flag. “We have copied all the celebratory events of the pre-1991 parades of the military regime. We have even failed to emulate the positive aspects of the former regime. It is impermissible to desecrate a flag bearing the declaration of Islamic faith, nor is it acceptable to dance on it or use it as underwear,” Sheikh Mustafe said.
His remarks followed an incident in which Mohamed BK, a singer, inadvertently dropped the Somaliland flag and stomped on it while performing on stage.
Jama Anabodhe, an MP in the Somaliland Parliament, rejected celebrations that divert children towards dancing and singing competitions instead of education. “We have been singing and dancing for 34 years. That is not how to secure international recognition. I saw children who were awarded prizes for singing and dancing. Children are vying to become TikTok content creators,” Jama said.
“The Somaliland administration is considering issuing edicts on the desecration of the Somaliland flag before or after the 18 May celebrations,” said a journalist in Hargeisa.
© Puntland Post, 2025
You must be logged in to post a comment.