Liverpool Rappers in Somalia: Navigating the Complexities of Diaspora and Clan Warfare

Introduction

In a startling intersection of UK drill culture and geopolitical conflict, two British rappers from Liverpool found themselves at the center of a territorial dispute in northeast Somalia. The case of Abdifatah Gulaid and Noah Ihiekwe, known professionally as Still Brickin’ and Rayzer, highlights the complex relationship between the Somali diaspora and their ancestral homeland. While their social media posts projected bravado—parading with armed troops and declaring “the time for talk is done”—their journey from a drug raid in Thailand to a war zone in the Sanaag region has raised serious legal and safety concerns. This article explores the background of the conflict, the rappers’ involvement, and the legal frameworks surrounding British citizens engaging in foreign wars.

Key Points

Background

The Rappers and Their Roots

Abdifatah Gulaid and Noah Ihiekwe are British citizens hailing from Toxteth, a culturally diverse neighborhood in Liverpool. Musically, they operate within the UK drill scene, a genre characterized by raw lyricism and often gritty visuals. Gulaid performs under the moniker “Still Brickin’,” while Ihiekwe goes by “Rayzer.” Despite their British upbringing, their familial ties remain strong in Somalia, specifically linking Gulaid to the Warsangeli clan.

The Geopolitical Landscape of Sanaag

The region they entered, Sanaag, is a focal point of territorial dispute. On one side is Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the Siad Barre dictatorship. Although Somaliland operates as a de facto state with its own government, police force, and currency, it lacks international recognition. On the other side is Puntland, a semi-autonomous state within Somalia that declared autonomy in 1998 but does not seek full independence. The Sanaag region is historically contested, with various clans resisting incorporation into Somaliland, leading to periodic outbreaks of violence.

Analysis

From Thailand to the Frontlines

The timeline of events suggests a rapid escalation in the rappers’ activities. In late January, Thai police raided a luxury villa in the Ratsada district of Phuket. During the raid, authorities recovered 6kg of cannabis and 39 tanks of nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Gulaid, Ihiekwe, and four other men were detained. While cannabis laws in Thailand have evolved, the sale without a license remains illegal. Following their release without charge, the group appears to have pivoted sharply, traveling directly to the Sanaag region.

Visual Evidence and Clan Politics

Social media footage and eyewitness accounts confirm their presence in Badhan, Sanaag, in early February. Videos show the pair wearing military fatigues and brandishing AK-47-style rifles alongside troops believed to be affiliated with Puntland forces. In one viral clip, Gulaid addresses soldiers in Somali, stating, “The time for talk is finished,” and promising to demonstrate their mettle in combat.

Dr. Idil Osman, a lecturer at the University of Leicester specializing in Somali studies, explains that this behavior aligns with a broader pattern of diaspora involvement. “The Somali community maintains a very close connection to their homeland,” she notes. Consequently, clan politics often extend to the diaspora. The conflict in Sanaag is rooted in the Warsangeli clan’s resistance to Somaliland’s encroachment. By siding with Puntland-aligned forces, the rappers were inserting themselves into a deep-seated, generational feud.

The Witness Account

An international consultant, who was staying at the Laasqoray Hotel in Badhan, provided a vivid account of the atmosphere. She noted that the two men stood out due to their Scouse accents amidst a crowd of locals. “One night I saw them… they were wearing combat clothes, and they were carrying weapons,” she recalled. She identified the weapons as likely AK-47s. Shortly after seeing them join a larger convoy of technical vehicles (pickup trucks mounted with heavy weaponry), gunfire erupted, forcing her to shelter in her room for three days before being evacuated to Bossasso.

Practical Advice

Understanding UK Laws on Foreign Conflict

For British citizens considering travel to conflict zones, it is vital to understand the legal ramifications. The UK government maintains strict statutes regarding terrorism and foreign fighting. While the specific conflict in Sanaag may not involve a proscribed terrorist organization like Al-Shabaab, engaging in armed conflict can still lead to significant legal scrutiny.

• Investigation upon Return: As stated by a UK government spokesman, anyone traveling to war zones to engage in illegal activity should expect to be investigated by police.
• Border Control: Professor Clive Walker, an expert in law, suggests that even without a prosecution, individuals involved in such activities are likely to be flagged and stopped at UK ports of entry.
• Prospect of Prosecution: Legal action is complex and depends heavily on the specific group aided and the nature of the combat. If the group is not a proscribed organization, securing a conviction under terrorism laws is difficult, but other charges related to firearms or public order could apply.

FAQ

Conclusion

The journey of Still Brickin’ and Rayzer from Liverpool to the battlefields of Sanaag is a stark reminder of how global conflicts can reach into local communities. It underscores the powerful pull of clan identity for the Somali diaspora, but also the severe risks involved. While their social media presence may have sought to glorify their involvement, the reality involves navigating a complex web of territorial disputes, international law, and potential criminal liability back home in the United Kingdom. Their story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of conflating street culture with geopolitical warfare.

Sources

• BBC News: “Liverpool rappers seen with weapons in Somalia amid clan war.”
• University of Leicester: Research on Somali Clan Politics and Diaspora Dynamics by Dr. Idil Osman.
• Leeds University School of Law: Expert commentary by Professor Clive Walker on UK laws regarding foreign fighting.
• Thai Royal Police: Reports regarding the narcotics raid in Ratsada, Phuket, January 2024.