Mohamoud Walaaleye
Residents of Burao have voiced strong opposition to what they describe as a growing campaign of hostile rhetoric from certain Somali politicians and religious figures targeting Somaliland’s sovereignty and its emerging diplomatic relations with Israel.
Speaking to Dawan newspaper, community leaders, intellectuals, women, and youth representatives said the recent statements are not isolated incidents but part of a longstanding pattern of hostility toward Somaliland’s existence, stability, and quest for international recognition.
The reactions come amid a wave of criticism from some Somalia clerics and politicians who have publicly condemned Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement with Israel and questioned the legitimacy of Somaliland’s aspirations for international recognition.
“Religion Should Not Be Used as a Political Weapon”
Among those speaking out was respected Burao elder Yusuf Ahmed Hussein, who criticized what he called the misuse of Islamic teachings for political purposes.
“Insults and abusive language are not the conduct of a Muslim, nor are they befitting of someone who claims to be a religious scholar,” he said. “It is deeply unfortunate to see verses of the Quran and prophetic traditions being used to advance political agendas and to portray Somaliland’s existence as something contrary to Islam.”
The elder argued that critics selectively focus on Somaliland’s relations with Israel while remaining silent about numerous Muslim-majority countries that maintain diplomatic ties with the same state.
“If these individuals genuinely object to such relationships on religious grounds, they should apply the same standard to all Muslim countries,” he said. “Instead, their opposition appears directed specifically at Somaliland.”
According to Yusuf, the rhetoric reflects a deeper resentment toward Somaliland’s continued stability and survival.
“Their real question is not about Israel,” he said. “Their question is why Somaliland exists, why its people have built peace, and why the country has not collapsed.”
Youth Leaders Reject Outside Lectures
Educated youth in Burao also dismissed what they described as attempts by Somalia politicians and clerics to lecture Somaliland on governance and religion.
Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, a local youth intellectual, said Somaliland’s achievements speak for themselves.
“Somaliland does not need lessons from people whose own security depends on foreign troops,” he said. “We have our own scholars, intellectuals, and institutions guiding society. Our religious leaders focus on educating and serving communities rather than attacking other peoples.”
He argued that those criticizing Somaliland should first address the political and security challenges facing their own country.
“They Are Upset by Somaliland’s Success”
Women’s representative Hinda Osman Ilka-Case said the criticism reveals frustration with Somaliland’s progress.
“They are unhappy with Somaliland’s success,” she said. “They see stability, functioning institutions, peace, and development, and that reality troubles them.”
She emphasized that Somaliland’s achievements have been built through decades of reconciliation, nation-building, and collective effort by its citizens.
Call for Unity
Community members repeatedly stressed that the controversy extends beyond diplomatic relations with Israel and should be understood within the broader political context surrounding Somaliland’s status.
Mohamed Ibrahim urged citizens to remain united in the face of external criticism.
“These attacks are not really about Israel,” he said. “They are part of a wider effort to undermine Somaliland’s existence and political aspirations. The strongest response is unity, solidarity, and continued commitment to protecting our nationhood.”
Growing Public Frustration
Across Burao, many residents expressed concern about what they see as misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric being spread under the banner of religion. They argued that religious leaders should promote peace, dialogue, and mutual respect rather than deepen political divisions.
As debates over Somaliland’s future and international recognition continue, residents say they remain confident that external criticism will not derail their pursuit of self-determination, stability, and diplomatic engagement with the wider world.
For many in Burao, the message is clear: Somaliland’s future will be determined by its people, not by the voices seeking to question its existence.