Wednesday September 24, 2025
Somaliland Police Commissioner Brig. Gen. Abdirahman Abdillahi Hassan, known as Cabdi Dheere, speaks during a press briefing in Hargeisa on September 24, 2025. He warned against an unauthorized meeting called by clan elders and said police would deploy to block the gathering.
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland police on Wednesday moved to block a planned meeting of clan elders in Hargeisa, calling the event unauthorized and a threat to public order.
The gathering, organized by elders from western Hargeisa, was set for Thursday at the Hawadle football field after hotels in the city declined to host them.
Brig. Gen. Abdirahman Abdillahi Hassan, known as Abdi Dhere, the police commander, told reporters that the organizers had not secured authorization from the Ministry of Interior and warned the event would not be allowed.
“Those calling for an unlawful meeting that challenges the police will not be permitted. The gathering planned at Hawadle by a segment of the community is not a consensus-based meeting; it is a divisive one, and no permission has been obtained from the legally responsible Ministry of Interior,” Cabdi Dheere said.
He warned the event could disrupt local businesses and urged parents to keep their children away from any unrest. He also cautioned bus operators against transporting organized groups, saying they would be held accountable if found facilitating the gathering.
Authorities said additional security forces would be stationed at the stadium and nearby areas Thursday to prevent the meeting from taking place.
“The police are monitoring those stoking unrest, and action will be taken. We will not sit idly by, nor will we allow anyone to play with the peace of this country,” he said.
While the objective of the gathering was not formally declared, local sources said the elders sought to endorse a candidate to challenge Interior Minister Mohamed Kahin Ahmed, noting that their community had delivered significant electoral support to the ruling Kulmiye party in the past.