A prominent international advocacy group has issued an urgent call for the Somaliland government to investigate and suspend the activities of the religious organization Al-Ictisaam, accusing it of promoting extremist ideologies and threatening national unity.
In a press release distributed today, the Somaliland World Congress, which has chapters in Hargeisa, London, New York, Paris, and Ottawa, raised serious concerns about the group’s influence on the nation’s youth and its divisive rhetoric.
According to the statement, Al-Ictisaam is allegedly undermining Somaliland’s sovereignty and social fabric by spreading clan-based hatred and territorial animosity. The group cited community testimonies claiming the organization’s teachings include deeply offensive statements directed at the nation’s founders, specifically veterans of the Somali National Movement (SNM) who fought for independence.
One alleged quote, “We are waiting only for crippled SNM veterans to vanish from the earth, then we are going back to Somalia,” was highlighted as particularly egregious and a direct threat to the legacy of Somaliland’s struggle for sovereignty.
The central concern is the group’s reported targeting of vulnerable youth. The Congress warns that Al-Ictisaam is exploiting religious faith as a vehicle for radicalization and division, posing a long-term risk to the country’s stability.
In response to these perceived threats, the Somaliland World Congress is urging authorities to take immediate action. Their recommendations include:
· An immediate official investigation into Al-Ictisaam’s activities and teachings.
· A suspension of the organization’s religious operations pending the outcome of the review.
· The creation of youth protection programs designed to shield young people from extremist influences.
· A renewed effort to strengthen inter-clan dialogue and national unity campaigns.
“Somaliland’s future depends on a generation raised with values of peace, respect, and patriotism—not hatred and division,” the statement read. “We stand united in defense of our constitution, our veterans, and our children.”
The call to action emphasizes a collective desire to safeguard the nation’s hard-won peace and ensure its youth are nurtured in an environment free from radicalization.
Contact: Somaliland World Congress info@somalilandforum.org
