HARGEISA, Somaliland – Calm has returned to Borama in Somaliland’s Awdal region following days of deadly protests that resulted in nearly two dozen fatalities. The unrest stemmed from local grievances and was exacerbated by suspicions surrounding a planned customary law ceremony, with authorities alleging that external forces contributed to the escalation.
On Sunday, footage from Somaliland’s state media depicted residents clearing streets of stones, roadblocks, and burnt tires used by protesters to impede security forces. The de-escalation followed appeals from regional clan elders, who urged demonstrators to cease activities to prevent further casualties.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, assured that those responsible for the deaths would be investigated and brought to justice. He also suspended a ceremony in Sayla’ where the unveiling of Xeer Ciise, a customary law book, had been planned. Some Borama residents viewed elements of the book as an attempt to claim their territory – an interpretation that helped spark the protests.
To reassure communities, President Irro emphasized that land cannot be claimed through assertions alone and called upon regional clans to maintain peaceful coexistence.
Despite the restoration of order, tensions persist. Local residents and witnesses have accused security forces of employing excessive and “unnecessary” force, including firing at protesters at close range and targeting individuals within hospitals. These allegations remain unverified.
Local authorities report at least 20 deaths with dozens of injuries.
In an unexpected announcement, the Somaliland military claimed that an unidentified third party had interfered in the unrest, alleging that snipers were positioned on high-rise buildings to target civilians. Critics dismissed these assertions as an attempt to shift blame from security forces, whom they accuse of perpetrating the violence through disproportionate measures.
As Borama gradually returns to normalcy, residents are awaiting a transparent investigation that ensures accountability, alleviates clan tensions, and prevents a recurrence of the violence that affected the town.
