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The traditional leaders of Somaliland’s Awdal region have announced that they have formally handed back security responsibilities to the police, bringing an end to several days of tension and youth-led protests in Borama. The decision followed a meeting on Tuesday where the elders, led by Sultan Dhawal, agreed that security forces should return to their posts to help stabilize the city.
Speaking to the media, Sultan Dhawal explained that the elders had previously ordered all security forces—including the police and military—to withdraw from Borama. This withdrawal was intended to calm rising tensions after protests turned violent. According to the elders, the order was fully implemented. Now, after reassessing the situation and meeting with community members, they have decided that security forces must resume their roles to maintain peace and protect residents. Sultan Dhawal emphasized that the city’s security personnel are welcome to return and that they would face no resistance.
The elders noted that allowing the police to return is necessary for restoring normalcy, especially after some youth took advantage of the unrest to commit crimes such as extorting money from residents. They urged young people in Borama to cooperate with the authorities instead of confronting them, saying the community’s safety and progress depend on unity and responsible behaviour.
The protests in Borama began after clashes broke out between demonstrators and security forces over the planned launch of the Xeer Ciise book in the coastal town of Zeylac. Some residents objected to the presence of the military in the city, arguing that their deployment had escalated tensions. This led to calls for the army to withdraw, which the elders eventually facilitated. With the withdrawal complete and calm gradually returning, efforts are now focused on preventing further violence and reopening channels of communication among the affected groups.
In addition to instructing the police to resume their duties, the elders also directed any military officers who had left their posts due to the unrest to return to their camps and units. They appealed to armed groups positioned outside the city to come forward for dialogue and contribute to the peace process instead of pushing the situation toward further conflict. According to the elders, the region’s stability depends on all sides choosing negotiation, respecting one another, and prioritizing the safety of civilians.
As part of the broader peace-building efforts, a delegation of elders from Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State has arrived in Somaliland to help mediate between the clans involved in disputes related to the Xeer Ciise book launch and the contested ownership of Zeylac town. The delegation is led by Garaad Kulmiye Garaad Mohamed Garaad Dool Garaad Wiilwaal, a respected traditional leader known for mediating conflicts across the region. Their arrival signals increased regional interest in preventing the situation from escalating and ensuring that long-standing disagreements are addressed peacefully.
The recent violence has had a devastating impact on the community. At least 20 people were killed during the protests, and many more were injured after security forces opened fire earlier in the week. The elders described these deaths as a tragic reminder of the need for restraint, communication, and community leadership during moments of crisis. They expressed their condolences to the families affected and urged all involved parties to avoid further confrontation.
With security forces returning, elders engaging in talks, and regional mediators stepping in, Borama is now moving toward recovery. Community members hope that the renewed cooperation will bring lasting peace and allow the city to return to its normal routines. Leaders emphasized that this moment should be used to strengthen trust between the public and the security forces while encouraging young people to be part of the solution rather than fueling unrest.