Somaliland arrests TikTok star over Galmudug celebration video

Friday August 15, 2025

Hargeisa (HOL) – Somaliland police have arrested TikTok personality Qadan Abdillaahi Qadan Qaran for celebrating the establishment of the Somali regional state of Galmudug at her home in Hargeisa on Wednesday night.

In a statement Thursday, Somaliland Police said Qadan Qaran was detained after posting videos on social media deemed to be against the existence of Somaliland.

“The Somaliland Police Force has carried out an urgent operation to arrest the accused Qadan Abdillaahi after she posted videos on social media that are against the nationalism of Somaliland, while spraying flags that are not in accordance with the symbol and dignity of the Republic of Somaliland on her house,” the statement read.

Police accused her of acts against Somaliland’s independence and said she will be brought before judicial authorities immediately.

The statement also included a stern warning to anyone involved in activities that “violate the nationalism of Somaliland.”

Before being taken into custody, Qadan Qaran told local media she had done nothing wrong.

“It is not a crime. Somaliland is an independent country. If Galmudug celebrates, they also carry my flag day and night. I am not better than them. I always remember,” she told Luqmaan Media.

Somaliland, which declared self-independence from Somalia in 1991, does not allow Somali or regional state flags to be displayed. However, no country has formally recognized its independence.