Hargeisa – Somaliland police arrested politician Jama Shabeel on Monday, citing his recent visits to Las Anod and Buhodle as a violation of the “existence of the Republic of Somaliland.”
Shabeel, a vocal critic of former President Muse Bihi Abdi’s policies during the Las Anod conflict, has long advocated for dialogue between Somaliland and the newly formed Northeastern State administration. He stated that his visit aimed to promote peace and encourage direct talks between the two sides.
In a statement, the Somaliland Police Force accused Shabeel of “anti-State” activities.
“The Somaliland Police Force today arrested the accused, Jama Shabeel, on charges of anti-nationalism and violating the existence of the Republic of Somaliland through acts he recently engaged in,” the statement read. “The accused will be brought before the country’s judicial institutions immediately.”
The police also issued a warning, vowing to take action against “anyone involved in acts that violate the existence of the Somaliland nation.”
During his visit to Las Anod, Shabeel met with politicians and cultural leaders from the Northeastern State to discuss pathways for direct negotiations and prisoner exchanges.
Shabeel has repeatedly challenged Somaliland’s claims over disputed territories. He has argued that Somaliland “cannot achieve its claimed borders without the consent of the local population” and has frequently questioned Somaliland’s status.
“What nation are you talking about? And who recognizes it?” he said recently on Horyaal TV, insisting that Somaliland and the Northeastern administration must “speak on equal terms.”
His arrest follows similar actions by Somaliland authorities.
While hostilities between Somaliland and the SSC has ceased .The two sides have not resumed formal dialogue, and no significant prisoner exchange has occurred despite repeated calls from the federal government.
