Proof of Proselytizing in Barwaaqo must be Presented

Somaliland’s Minister of Education and Science, Ahmed Mohamed Diriye (Toorno), dismissed the allegations against Abaarso School teachers, saying evidence is needed from those who said Christianity religion is taught in Abaarso schools. 

“Our religion, our country and our people are neither for sale nor for tossing around to and shaming on   each other,” minster Toorno said. “It is up to whistleblower if the intended goal is for character defamation or politicization but the claim as to different religion being taught in Somaliland needs proof from him.”  minister continued saying 

The minister described it as “surprising” at the repeated allegations made by Abdimalik Muse Coldon in recent years against Abaarso school and Barwaaqo University with his remarks that Somaliland schools do not teach any religion other than Islam.   

“I want to make it clear to the community that our schools are places of Islamic learning, not of other religions. It is amazing that only one person has been messing up with the same school for the last 10 years.” 

Abdimalik Muse Coldon has repeatedly accused Abaarso School of spreading Christianity among students at the school and in the university, leading the local community to be polarized and divided over the veracity of Coldon’s claims.

A heated debate has erupted among the Somaliland public over the allegations in question, which the minister responded to today.

Abdimalik Muse Coldon was arrested on August 19, 2021 while he was at his place of work in Burao.

Police officials have not yet commented on the reason for his arrest, but these days he has been posting videos and articles criticizing the Hargeisa Cultural Center on social media, as well as recording a video in response to Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi’s speech at the ceremony of the first batch to graduate from Barwaaqo University

Somaliland’s Ministry of Religion and Endowments said in a statement on its Facebook page – on Saturday August 21, 2021 –  that it is investigating- along with the Education ministry –  Abaarso School in the West of Hargeisa, which sends its graduates to universities abroad, and Barwaaqo University in the North of Hargeisa – which had its first batch of graduates in teaching profession last week.