Somaliland arrests singer over song criticizing its embassy in Jerusalem
Somaliland singer Khaalid Kaamil has been detained in Hargeisa after recording a song partly criticizing Somaliland’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
Hargeisa (Somali Report) — Somaliland security forces arrested singer Khaalid Kaamil after he recorded a song partly criticizing Somaliland’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, family members and opposition officials said.
Kaamil has been held in Hargeisa for 10 days, according to his family. Somaliland authorities have not publicly explained the reason for his arrest or announced formal charges.
The song had not been released at the time of his detention. A portion of the recording surfaced online Wednesday, though it was not immediately clear who leaked it while Kaamil remained in custody.
Somaliland’s opposition KAAH party condemned the detention, describing it as a violation of basic freedoms and part of a wider effort to silence criticism of the government’s policy toward Israel.
“The arrest of artists, journalists and citizens for expressing their views and creativity undermines the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the constitution,” the party said in a statement Thursday.
KAAH called on the government to release Kaamil immediately and end what it described as intimidation of artists and members of the creative community. The party said democratic governance should be based on respect for the rule of law and freedom of expression, not arrests and repression.
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Somaliland authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations or to KAAH’s statement.
Kaamil’s reported detention comes amid growing domestic criticism of Somaliland’s diplomatic relations with Israel, including the decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem. The move has drawn opposition from political figures, religious leaders, elders, journalists and youth groups who argue that the policy risks alienating Muslim-majority countries and undermining Somaliland’s public consensus on foreign affairs.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has defended the relationship with Israel, saying his administration is guided by Somaliland’s national interests and its long-running campaign for international recognition. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has been presented by Hargeisa as a major diplomatic breakthrough after more than three decades of limited international recognition.
Opponents of the policy have also criticized what they describe as Israeli plans involving Palestinians and Somaliland, though Somaliland officials have rejected claims that the territory would be used against Palestinian interests.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received broad international recognition. Somalia’s federal government maintains that Somaliland remains part of Somalia and rejects foreign recognition of the region.
Human rights advocates and opposition figures say arrests linked to criticism of Israel ties could deepen concerns over political space and freedom of expression in Somaliland. They have urged authorities to either charge Kaamil under the law or release him immediately.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.