HARGEISA, Somaliland – At least 10 people have been killed and more than 45 injured in Borama following clashes between protesters and security forces, prompting Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to call for calm and restraint.
In a televised address on Friday evening, President Abdullahi described the loss of life as “deeply troubling and intolerable.”
He vowed to provide assistance to affected families, ordered a thorough investigation into any misconduct by security forces, and instructed troops to return to their barracks to help ease rising tensions.
The unrest erupted amid opposition to the government’s plan to hold a Xeer Ciise ceremony in Saylac city, an event seen by some as politically sensitive.
Analysts say the violence reflects underlying clan divisions and allegations of heavy-handed policing, putting pressure on the fledgling administration to act decisively while avoiding further escalation.
Somali federal lawmaker Ayub Ismail Yusuf condemned the crackdown, accusing security forces of “killing peaceful protesters” and committing human rights abuses against the Awdal community.
In a statement, Yusuf urged local residents “to defend themselves,” called on Somalia’s federal government to intervene, and appealed to the international community to monitor the situation.
Nevertheless, the events in Borama represent a significant early test for President Abdirahman’s new administration, highlighting the challenges of governing a region where political decisions intersect with clan sensitivities and public unrest.
