By Asha Elmi - Reporter
HARGEISA, Sept. 21, 2026 Somaliland’s Ministry of Religion and Endowments has halted a religious debate that clerics planned to hold in Hargeisa, saying the event could fuel religious divisions and pose security risks.
The ministry said in a statement on Sunday that plans for the debate had circulated on social media in recent days. It did not identify the clerics involved or disclose the proposed topic, venue or date of the event.
The ministry said the decision reflected its responsibility to preserve unity among religious scholars, reduce religious disputes and prevent activities that could create divisions within the community.
It warned hotels and other public venues against hosting religious debates without prior authorisation, saying such events could trigger disagreements and insecurity.
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Security agencies were also instructed to monitor any activity connected to the cancelled debate.
The order prompted discussion on social media, with some users questioning the legal basis for the decision while others supported measures aimed at preventing religious tensions.
The ministry did not explain the criteria for approving religious debates, how long the order would remain in effect or what penalties could be imposed for violations.
Dawan Media could not locate the original announcement advertising the debate and could not independently verify the identities of the clerics or the issue they planned to discuss.