Somaliland detains musicians after Mogadishu show

Security forces in Somaliland have arrested four local musicians who performed a music show in the Somali capital this week, local officials said Sunday.

The musicians from the Hargeisa-based Horn Stars band were arrested upon their arrival at Egal airport in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. Sources close to the police told media that arrests were made after a warrant arrest by the police chief.

The band has performed an open air music show in the Somali capital in celebration for the Eid Al-Dha and entertained excited Somalis who alongside musicians danced at the open-air yard as a at the festival described by many as ‘impressive’.

The chairman of the band Hassan Saleban Dhuhul popularly known as (Labsalah) has confirmed the arrest of the Musicians Niman Hilac, Abdirahman Oday, Hamda Queen and Mohamed Irro, terming it as ‘deplorable’.

Mr. Labsalah has likened his band to the work by doctors, journalists and business people who travel across the world without restrictions.

Somaliland government hasn’t so far commented on the arrests which has drawn a widespread criticism from Somalis across the world who rallied behind the young popular musicians.

“Musicians have no borderline, they can perform anywhere –Don’t mix music with politics,” one HOL readers said in a thread of comments on the website.

The new music band has hit waves across Somalia and beyond, drawing the attention of youth. Most of their music focuses on love and Somalia culture.

Somaliland sees Somalia as an obstacle hindering its efforts aimed at gaining an international recognition as seeks an independence from the rest of Somalia.

Somaliland has declared a unilateral independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991, however, no country has so far recognized it as an independent state.