HARGEISA, Somalia – Somaliland’s leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, delivered a televised address to the nation regarding the disturbances in Borama, Awdal Region, on Friday, denouncing the clashes that have claimed multiple lives.
Two days of protests and confrontations with security forces have led to several deaths and injuries. Authorities have not yet released official casualty figures, though eyewitnesses have confirmed multiple casualties.
During his brief remarks, the President urged tranquility, instructed security forces to return to their bases, and committed to a prompt and transparent investigation. Somaliland functions as a self-declared independent region of Somalia.
Unrest erupted in Borama this week after the government rescinded a prohibition on a publication detailing the cultural heritage and history of the Issa clan and their role in the development of Somali traditional law – Xeer-Ciise.
Although the government’s action was intended to permit the Issa to carry out a planned cultural event in Seylac commemorating the Xeer-Issa book, the competing Samaroon clan (Gadabuursi) interpreted this as evidence of governmental favoritism, according to Rashid Abdi, a security analyst.
The competition between these two Dir clans has intensified over the past year. The dispute involves not only rival cultural assertions regarding the Xeer-Ciise but also a struggle for regional influence – likely exacerbated by external elements seeking to destabilize Somaliland, he adds.
The self-declared Somaliland region is pursuing international acknowledgment, which remains a low priority for many United Nations member states, several of whom maintain that the territory should remain part of Somalia under the unified Somali policy.
