Somaliland Govt bans poetry event

Berbera (Somaliland.com) – Somaliland government has stopped the renowned poet Hassan Dahir Wedhsame from holding a poetry reading event in Berbera.

Wedhsame was set to read poetry at an event organized by Berbera Reading and Writing Club on Thursday evening. However, the session called ‘ Ask me, I have come with hope’ was canceled by the government without announced cause.

The poet announced last night his return to the capital after what he called illegal and incompetent cancellation of his event. He pledged he will disclose details of the cancelation later.

Hassan Dahir Wedhsame is a celebrated poet which has appeal and following especially among the young in Somaliland. He is an outspoken poet that often criticizes social ills, mismanagement, corruption, and poor leadership.

The event cancellation reinforces fears of shrinking civil liberties in the country with President Bihi’s government increasingly growing intolerant of critical voices.

Somaliland’s government recently started measures to curb the freedom of expression and assembly of citizens.

The measures range from arbitrary detentions of government critics, arbitrary cancellation of events, and requiring prior permission for holding public meetings. Maroodijeh and Sool governors are the latest to impose such restrictions last year.