By Abukar Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 29 December 2025 Somaliland Police last week arrested Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Abdirahman Kaariye, one of the well-known religious figures, few hours after Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland region.
It is reported that the Hargeisa administration feared he might incite the public against the Israel-Somaliland agreement which has caused a major diplomatic storm.
Sheikh Kaariye had previously spoken out against the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic agreement supported by the United States that Israel signed with some Arab countries, stating that it was unacceptable and harmful for a Muslim nation to be part of it.
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He had also maintained that he would not remain silent about issues concerning Israel, having previously indicated that Somaliland should never be part of the agreement.
It is believed that Sheikh Kaariye was arrested on 26 December after Somaliland Police warned that they would take action against individuals openly opposed to Somaliland’s recognition efforts.
The arrest of Sheikh Mohamed Kaariye has sparked concerns about Hargeisa’s move to clamp down on religious leaders deemed as being anti government.
