The government of Somaliland warns its citizens against celebrating the New Year. The New Year is widely celebrated in many parts of the world. The Gregorian calendar is officially used in Somaliland.

The Minister of Religious Affairs warns the people of Somaliland to celebrate the New Year. Speaking to Geeska Afrika newspaper, the Minister said "we are Muslims. Islam does not allow us to celebrate and commemorate the New Year”. 

The Minister specifically talked to the parents, asking them to guard their children. 

 

"We are Islamic country and Islamic people. We do have two festivals, Eid Adha and Eid Fitr. We shall commemorate and festive only in these two festivals,” he has said.

The Minister added that "socializing of men and women is immoral and is prohibited by Islam.”

In October, the police shut down a music concern by singer Ms Nasteexo Indho on the order of the Minister who said she dances "unreligious way.”