Dangerous Game of Patriotism
By Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin, Political Analyst, International Affairs Writer, Journalist, Academic and founder of Somaliland Unity & Recognition Initiative (SURI).
It is one thing to face a personal attack from a social media user @Checkmatedsl, driven by ego and envy. It is quite another when the reaction of the Spokesman for the President of the Republic of Somaliland @Huseindeyr entrusted with the highest responsibilities in the Office of the President—lends credence to that baseless attack through an action so swift and so telling that it demands scrutiny.
Shortly after a defamatory and completely unfounded accusation was made against ( Read my post: A Dangerous Game of Jealousy and Defamation: Setting the Record Straight at Bridgingsomaliland.com on June 21, 2025) me and my publication, that senior official in question—who was following both myself and the accuser—not only unfollowed me but proceeded to block my account entirely. No communication. No inquiry. No attempt at fairness. Just an abrupt and symbolic rejection, triggered by a slanderous post that he, as a high-ranking official, should have easily seen for what it was: baseless libel.
The question must be asked—why? Why would a senior figure in Somaliland’s highest office, a man entrusted to represent all citizens with integrity and impartiality, react so hastily and harshly over what is clearly a personal spat between two citizens—both of whom he followed? Why would he choose to block me, a respected journalist with a decades-long record of service to the Somaliland cause and from a well-know respected family background, without seeking truth or balance?
Let me be clear: I gladly reciprocated in blocking the individual who initiated this defamatory campaign. That was a personal boundary. But the official’s action is not simply personal—it is political. It sends a dangerous signal: that public office can be wielded to silence one citizen over another, based on hearsay rather than evidence. It implies that one voice, making the loudest noise (bragging about why should he follow me, a “Faqash” mouthpiece with a handful of followers, and not her with a 5K followers) holds more weight than decades of documented patriotism and credible work.
What is even more troubling is that no other follower reacted in this way. Not one. Despite the accusation being public, my community of readers, followers, and professional colleagues did not waver. No wave of unfollows. No public distancing. Only one person besides her blocked me—a high-ranking official who, of all people, should have exercised more discretion, not less.
If his intention was to appear neutral, then this was the worst possible way to show it. Blocking me and not the accuser—or worse, blocking me because of the accuser—was not neutrality. It was taking sides. And not just taking sides, but doing so without the responsibility of due diligence, fairness, or even a private clarification.
Let us not forget: this is an individual representing the Presidency, a symbol of our national unity and dignity. That office is not a personal account. It is not to be used for petty allegiances or emotional reactions to online quarrels. It demands maturity, neutrality, restraint, and a commitment to truth—especially when the matter involves two citizens, both of whom were engaged in the digital discourse he once valued enough to follow.
To @Husseindayr, I say: your reaction in this one case that I only know so far, was unbecoming of the office you serve. You were not just reacting to a tweet—you were sending a message, wittingly or not, that defamatory behavior can result in institutional validation. You helped amplify an unfounded allegation by visibly distancing yourself from the target, without asking a single question. That is not how justice works. That is not how leadership behaves.
I remain deeply concerned about the reputational harm caused by this chain of actions. And I must defend both my name and my work. I have been a tireless advocate for Somaliland’s independence since 1991, through more than 400 published articles, talks, and international engagements. No one can question my patriotism—except those who choose to ignore the facts and weaponize false narratives for attention.
Yes, Bridging Somaliland is a new platform, indeed—but one rooted in integrity, analysis, and national service. We do not pander, we do not engage in factionalism,tribalism or whatever isms, and we do not respond to slander with silence. We respond promptly and swiftly with truth.
So again, I ask: why would a senior presidential official act in this way—so swiftly, so unjustly, so publicly? And why should any journalist or citizen feel secure when even the most trusted offices can be swayed by a single false accusation?
This is not just about blocking a journalist. It is about undermining the standards of fairness, trust, and unity that Somaliland so desperately needs. I will continue to defend my work, my publication, and my reputation. The real question is whether those in power will choose the path of principle—or continue enabling defamation disguised as patriotism.
