Friday April 4, 2025
Hargeisa (HOL) — Authorities in Somaliland on Thursday arrested prominent Somali humanitarian worker Abdimaalik Muse Coldoon in the coastal city of Berbera, days after he resurfaced from hiding. While no official charges have been announced, the arrest comes on the heels of Coldoon’s criticism of a reported deal to host Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
Coldoon, who resides in Burao, fled the city on March 22 after receiving reports that he was being targeted for arrest. He sought refuge in the rural Bohol area before returning to Burao following his family and community assurances that he would not be detained.
“Abdimaalik Muse Coldoon, there’s nothing to worry about,” his brother Abdirahmaan Muuse Coldoon said at the time. “Criticize respectfully and stay close to your people. You can take your concerns to Abdirahmaan Cirro’s office—he’s a calm and fair man who listens.”
However, Coldoon was arrested shortly after arriving in Berbera on Thursday. Though the government has not officially disclosed the reason, sources close to the matter say it likely stems from a social media post in which Coldoon disassociated himself from Somaliland’s policy on Gaza.
“I’m from Somalia. That minister doesn’t represent us,” Coldoon wrote in response to an Al Jazeera Arabic report alleging Somaliland had agreed to take in Gaza refugees. “He represents a mercenary government. Palestinians are our brothers, and the people of Gaza will remain steadfast in their land.”
The arrest has drawn condemnation from rights advocates and members of the opposition Waddani party, who previously defended Coldoon during similar arrests under former President Muse Bihi. They argue the detention violates his constitutional right to free speech.
"Abdimaalik is being detained for expressing his opinion, which is a right protected under our constitution,” said Yoonis Ahmed Yoonis, who served as Waddani’s justice secretary during Coldoon’s 2022 arrest. “Whether supporting or opposing the government, free expression must be respected. His arrest is unlawful, and we call for his immediate release.”
Coldoon has faced multiple arrests over the past decade, including charges of defamation and spreading false information. Some cases involved institutions such as Abaarso School and the Hargeisa Cultural Center. While some led to convictions, others were dismissed.
His strained relationship with Somaliland authorities began in 2017 when, as a journalist, he publicly supported newly elected Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. Since then, Coldoon has become known for his outspoken views on governance, social justice, and regional politics—often clashing with Somaliland officials.