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Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has condemned the deadly unrest in Borama, the capital of the Awdal region, where violent clashes over the past two days have left at least ten people dead. The protests broke out after the government announced plans to hold an event marking the Xeer Ciise festival, sparking anger among residents who opposed the decision.
President Irro described the loss of life as avoidable and expressed deep sympathy to the families of those who were killed or injured. He said he was saddened that security forces opened fire on unarmed civilians and stressed that the government would not ignore what happened. According to him, an official investigation is already underway, and anyone found responsible for wrongdoing will be held accountable.
He also ordered all national military forces deployed in Borama to immediately return to their bases. He urged elders, religious leaders, scholars, and business figures in Somaliland to help restore calm and guide the public back toward peace. The president emphasized that the country had experienced “painful moments” and that the violence had shocked many Somalilanders who value the protection of human life.
President Irro also warned the public about misinformation spreading in the aftermath of the violence. He said some individuals were using the situation to divide the community or push false narratives. He reassured residents that the government is supporting the families affected by the clashes and promised transparency as the investigation continues.
Addressing long-standing tensions in the region, the president insisted that no community would lose its land or rights because of government actions or cultural events. He rejected claims suggesting that Awdal’s history or identity could be changed, calling such ideas ignorant of the deep-rooted culture and civilization of the region’s people. His remarks appeared aimed at calming fears that the Xeer Ciise festival was part of a broader attempt to undermine local communities.
The Xeer Ciise is a traditional system of customary laws practiced by Somali-Issa communities across Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia. While it is recognized by UNESCO and considered an important cultural tradition, its planned celebration in Borama became a trigger for tensions, especially among those who believed the event was politically motivated.
Violence erupted on Thursday night when residents took to the streets to oppose the government’s announcement. Confrontations between protesters and military forces continued into the next day, with security forces accused of firing on crowds. By Friday, at least ten people had been confirmed dead, and many others were injured. The events left the city on edge and raised concerns about escalating instability.
A committee of elders who had recently discussed the Xeer Ciise issue with the president appealed to the community to stop the violence and prioritize dialogue. Religious leaders also urged the government to withdraw troops from the city and to recognize its responsibility for the casualties. Many of them called for immediate steps to rebuild trust between residents and the authorities.
President Irro ended his remarks by calling on residents of Borama and the wider Awdal region to calm tensions, resume normal life, and listen to their traditional leaders. He reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the dispute peacefully through discussion and mutual understanding, saying dialogue remained the only sustainable way forward for the region.