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Somaliland police have arrested popular TikTok content creator Qadan Abdillaahi Qadan Qaran in Hargeisa after she celebrated the Somali regional state of Galmudug’s anniversary at her home.
According to a statement released by Somaliland Police on Thursday, Qadan Qaran was detained for posting videos on social media that they said went against the “existence and nationalism” of Somaliland. Authorities accused her of decorating her home with flags that represented Galmudug, which they claim undermines Somaliland’s independence.
Police said the arrest followed “an urgent operation” carried out on Wednesday night after Qadan shared videos of her celebration online. In the footage, she is seen displaying and spraying flags that do not match the symbols of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.
The police statement stressed that such actions are considered a violation of Somaliland’s laws and values, warning that similar behavior will not be tolerated. They added that Qadan would be taken before the courts immediately.
“The Somaliland Police Force has carried out an urgent operation to arrest the accused Qadan Abdillaahi after she posted videos on social media that are against the nationalism of Somaliland, while spraying flags that are not in accordance with the symbol and dignity of the Republic of Somaliland on her house,” the statement read.
Qadan’s Response Before Arrest
Before she was taken into custody, Qadan spoke to local media and defended her actions, saying she had done nothing wrong.
“It is not a crime,” she told Luqmaan Media. “Somaliland is an independent country. If Galmudug celebrates, they also carry my flag day and night. I am not better than them. I always remember.”
Her comments suggest that she sees such cultural and political displays as acts of mutual recognition rather than hostility.
Somaliland’s Flag and National Identity Rules
Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia in 1991, does not allow the public display of Somalia’s national flag or the flags of its federal member states, such as Galmudug, Jubaland, Puntland, Hirshabelle, and South West State. The region considers itself a fully independent country, although no nation in the world has officially recognized it.
Authorities in Hargeisa argue that allowing Somali or regional flags to be displayed undermines Somaliland’s sovereignty and encourages political unity with Somalia, which they reject.
Displaying the Somaliland flag is not only encouraged but considered a symbol of loyalty to the region’s independence. In contrast, the display of other flags — particularly Somalia’s — is treated as an act against national unity and can lead to arrest or prosecution.
A Stern Warning from Authorities
In their statement, police also issued a direct warning to the public, urging people to avoid any actions that could be interpreted as opposing Somaliland’s independence. They said that posting or sharing images of non-Somaliland flags on social media will be considered a violation of national law.
The police emphasized that they would take swift action against anyone involved in similar activities in the future.
Background on Galmudug
Galmudug is one of Somalia’s five federal member states. It was officially established in 2006 and covers the central regions of the country. Like other federal states, Galmudug celebrates its founding anniversary each year, often with cultural events and displays of its flag.
Qadan’s celebration of this anniversary, and her choice to publicly display the Galmudug flag, directly clashed with Somaliland’s laws and political stance.
Next Steps in the Case
Following her arrest, Qadan is expected to face judicial proceedings in Somaliland. The specific charges against her have not yet been made public, but they are likely to relate to national security or acts seen as undermining Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Her case has drawn attention on social media, where supporters and critics are debating whether her arrest is justified. Supporters argue that she should have the right to express herself freely, while critics believe she knowingly broke Somaliland’s laws.
For now, the police have made it clear that the matter will be handled through the courts and that they intend to maintain strict control over public symbols and expressions of identity in the region.