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Somaliland MP Mohamed Abiib Yusuf has accused national security forces of deliberately shooting unarmed civilians during recent unrest in Borama, the capital of the Awdal region. Speaking to journalists in Hargeisa on Friday, the lawmaker condemned the violence, saying the government’s actions had worsened tensions instead of resolving them.
According to MP Abiib, the government deployed troops to Borama over the past few days with the intention of suppressing residents who were protesting. He argued that instead of calming the situation or addressing the root cause of the unrest, the presence and conduct of security forces inflamed the conflict. The clashes between security forces and civilians have turned deadly, leaving families grieving and the community shaken.
The MP said the government mishandled a dispute between two local clans that had emerged over the planned launch of a book on Xeer Ciise, the customary law of the Somali-Issa community. The launch of the book, which highlights an oral tradition recognized by UNESCO and practiced among Somali-Issa communities in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia, triggered disagreements between the clans. Abiib argued that the government should have focused on resolving the dispute through dialogue and mediation, rather than taking actions that increased tensions.
He stated that efforts to reconcile the clans should have been the government’s first priority. Instead, he said, the authorities responded with force, and when this approach failed, civilians were caught in the violence. Abiib stressed that the unnecessary escalation led directly to the loss of innocent lives, which could have been avoided with proper communication and conflict management.
The MP called on the people of Borama to remain calm and urged religious leaders to step in and help restore peace. He mentioned that the national parliament would discuss the crisis urgently and was expected to make decisions aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further violence.
His remarks came shortly after Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro publicly addressed the clashes. President Irro expressed deep concern over the violence, which has left at least ten people dead in the past two days. He described the situation as painful for the country and warned that the turmoil was giving satisfaction to those who wish to see Somaliland destabilized.
In his statement, President Irro ordered all national military forces deployed in Borama to immediately withdraw and return to their bases. He also appealed to business leaders, religious scholars, and respected community members to help restore peace and stability in the Awdal region. He noted that the recent losses had shocked people across the country and emphasized the importance of protecting human life and preserving social harmony.
The violence began after the government allowed the official commemoration of Xeer Ciise, a decision that angered some residents of Borama. The launch event, meant to celebrate a traditional legal system and cultural heritage, instead triggered strong public backlash. Residents protested, arguing that the government’s approach to the commemorations and the handling of local clan sensitivities lacked consultation and understanding.
What started as cultural disagreements soon escalated into street protests. When security forces intervened, tensions rose sharply, leading to confrontations that turned deadly. The events have highlighted deep frustrations among the community and raised questions about how the government balances cultural recognition, local concerns, and security responses.
As leaders continue to issue statements and call for calm, many people in Borama are mourning loved ones, demanding accountability, and hoping for sincere efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully. The situation remains tense, but both local leaders and the national government have expressed intentions to prevent further violence and rebuild trust with the affected communities.