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Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has offered his condolences to the families affected by the recent deadly unrest in Borama, where protests turned violent after Somaliland security forces confronted demonstrators opposing the planned launch of the Xeer Ciise book.
Speaking in Garowe on Sunday night, President Deni said he was deeply saddened by the loss of life and urged leaders and communities to avoid actions that escalate tensions. He emphasized that disagreements within society should never be handled through force, but through dialogue, patience, and respect for differing views. According to him, the events in Borama highlighted the urgent need for peaceful solutions and calm communication, especially when communities feel strongly about cultural or political issues.
The unrest in Borama began when residents objected to holding an event in the nearby town of Saylac to launch the Xeer Ciise book. Xeer Ciise is a traditional legal system practiced by Somali-Issa communities across Somalia, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, and it is recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance. While many consider the book launch an important cultural celebration, some people in Borama felt the event was being pushed forward without proper consultation, leading to anger and protests.
As demonstrators gathered to express their objections, security forces attempted to disperse the crowds. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in deadly clashes between the forces and some armed residents who reacted to the confrontation. Local sources report that more than 20 people have lost their lives, and nearly 50 others have been injured during days of unrest, leaving families grieving and the wider community shaken.
President Deni expressed that such outcomes are avoidable and should never become the norm when communities disagree. He said leaders have a responsibility to guide people toward peaceful dialogue rather than actions that could trigger conflict. He also noted that the region has made progress in maintaining stability and that such incidents threaten the efforts invested in peace.
His comments come at a time when Puntland and Somaliland have recently shown renewed willingness to ease tensions and work toward peaceful coexistence. Delegations from both sides met earlier in Kenya, where they reportedly reached a preliminary understanding aimed at encouraging stability and cooperation. Although political differences between the two regions have long created friction, the discussions were seen as a positive step toward improving relations.
The events in Borama, however, serve as a reminder of how quickly tensions can rise when community concerns are not addressed early or respectfully. Many local families affected by the violence are calling for accountability and a clear plan to prevent future clashes. Community elders, activists, and ordinary citizens are urging the authorities to open channels for dialogue and ensure the voices of local residents are heard when decisions affecting cultural or political matters are being made.
President Deni reiterated that peace should be the top priority and that regions sharing borders, history, and communities must avoid actions that deepen division. He stressed that healing after such unrest requires honest conversations between leaders, elders, and citizens, and that preventing further harm is more important than pushing ahead with controversial decisions.
As Borama begins to recover from the recent turmoil, many hope the tragedy will encourage leaders at all levels to approach disagreements with caution and understanding. The calls for peace, consultation, and cooperation continue to grow, with the hope that the lessons learned from this incident will help prevent similar conflicts in the future.