Across any democratic society, equality, freedom of movement, and the right to peaceful assembly are foundational. What is unfolding in Zayla, however, reads like a chilling return to practices long condemned by the world: young men and women from Zayla and Lughaya reportedly beaten, forcibly removed from their homes, and detained in Hargeisa merely for expressing pride in the history and identity of their cities.
Such treatment, targeting Gadaboursi people for peaceful expression of cultural or regional pride, is a grave human-rights violation. Comparing it to apartheid is not rhetorical excess: when a population is singled out, humiliated, and stripped of basic liberties because of where it comes from or what it celebrates, the distinction between normal governance and systematic repression collapses. The victims, in this case, are not violent agitators; they are citizens, local residents, and exercising rights recognised under national and international law.
Equally troubling is the widespread silence from those who should be most vocal: community leaders and elected representatives from Zayla and Lughaya. Leadership that shirks its duty to defend their people in moments of crisis betrays the very people it was chosen to serve. Fear or complacency by local politicians only deepens the injustice and signals tacit acceptance of abuse.
The Gadabuursi people must act immediately and demand :
1- the release of all individuals detained solely for peaceful demonstration or cultural expression; investigate allegations of beatings and unlawful transfer to detention; and hold accountable any security personnel or officials who ordered or carried out these actions.
2- an Immediat apology from the Colonel Iman who gave this illega and unconstitutional order
The people of Zayla and Lughaya deserve more than rhetoric. They deserve protection, recognition, and the freedom to celebrate their heritage without fear. Civil society, the media, regional bodies, and international partners should raise their voices now to demand justice and prevent further escalation.
Silence is complicit. It is time for leaders to speak, take decisive actions, and make the community stand united in defence of fundamental rights and their regions. Only through accountability and steadfast protection of civil liberties can trust be restored, and such abuses prevented in the future.
It is time that the Gadaboursi defend his land or become displaced and subjugated group!
By: BURAALE XINIIN