Somaliland police have ordered a crackdown on unauthorized flags as the region prepares for its May 18 Independence Day celebrations, warning that individuals displaying banners other than the official national flag will face legal action.
Police Commissioner Abdirahman Abdillahi Hassan, known as Abdi Dheere, said officers have been instructed to arrest anyone carrying clan-based or political party flags, emphasizing that only the Somaliland national flag is permitted during the commemorations.
“In recent days, we have seen unauthorized flags being circulated on social media, which is unlawful,” Commissioner Abdi Dheere said at a press conference Sunday. “We have directed our forces to detain anyone displaying any flag other than the national flag. Somaliland has only one recognized flag.”
The police directive also bans the sale and public display of political party flags in markets and public spaces throughout the Independence Day preparation period.
The move follows a wave of online videos showing critics of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro’s administration wearing flags adorned with clan names. Some social media users announced plans to mark May 18 independently, underscoring rising political tensions ahead of the holiday.
May 18 marks Somaliland’s 1991 declaration of independence from Somalia. Although the region has operated with its own government, military, and currency, it has yet to receive international recognition. Authorities traditionally use the day to showcase national unity and reinforce the call for sovereignty.
