Somaliland lawmakers Mohamed Abiib and Mukhtaar Hassan Maydhane have strongly criticized the arrest of dozens of civilians detained in the town of Borama, in the Awdal region, by Somaliland security forces over the past several hours.

Speaking to the media, the two members of parliament said the arrests were carried out because the individuals had displayed the Palestinian flag. They contrasted this with what they described as the authorities’ tolerance of the Israeli flag in Hargeisa under the administration of President Abdirahman Cirro, arguing that the disparity amounts to selective enforcement and discrimination.

The lawmakers described the arrests in Awdal as unlawful and a violation of constitutional and religious principles, questioning how civilians could be detained for carrying the Palestinian flag while similar actions were permitted in the capital. They called on residents to reject what they termed an abuse of power and to oppose intimidation by security forces.

“There is no religious or constitutional basis for arresting someone in Borama for carrying the Palestinian flag while allowing the Israeli flag in Hargeisa,” Mukhtaar Hassan Maydhane said, urging the public to resist what he described as coercive measures.

Abiib and Maydhane insisted that there is no security threat in Awdal, accusing the Cirro administration of manufacturing tensions by arresting civilians and inflaming public sentiment. They warned that continued detentions could lead to unrest and said they were prepared to lead protests demanding the release of those held.

The two lawmakers also warned that Awdal could follow a political path similar to that taken by the Sool region, which has since aligned itself with Somalia’s Federal Government. They appealed to traditional elders in Awdal to guide the community toward a peaceful and constructive future.

Somaliland authorities have not yet issued an official response to the allegations.