Hornpost
Hargeisa (Hornpost) In a move that has sparked significant unrest, the Somaliland government announced the approval of a public exhibition for the Ciise law to be held in Saylac, Sela Region, on December 14th.
The announcement made by Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ayanle, that government of the Republic of Somaliland has officially announced that it has authorized the holding of the (Xeer Ciise) event.
According to the Minister of Information, Awareness and Culture of Somaliland Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ayanle said in a media conference “The Republic of Somaliland has decided to host the commemoration of the Book of the Law of Jesus (Xeer Ciise) to be held in the city of Saylac on December 14, 2025”
The Minister said that the Government is managing the event to present the law on the book of Jesus, which it has approved today.
The Minister of Internal Affairs had previously indicated that the government had halted the Ciise law exhibition due to community unrest; however, the recent reversal has raised concerns. “This decision feels like a disregard for our voices,” said Ali Haji, a local elder from Borama, who participated in the protests. “We demand that the government listen to our concerns instead of pushing through controversial laws that could further divide our communities.”
The protests in Borama erupted shortly after the government’s announcement, resulting in injuries among demonstrators, according to eyewitnesses.
The scale of the unrest indicates a deep-rooted apprehension about the potential implications of the Ciise law on inter-clan relations. “This law has historically been a point of contention, and many fear it will exacerbate divisions rather than promote unity,” a participant in the protest remarked.
As the situation unfolds, local leaders and civil society groups in the region are calling for a peaceful resolution and urging the government to engage in constructive dialogue rather than impose decisions unilaterally. “We need to come together and discuss our differences,” said Fatima Abdi, a prominent community leader. “Violence is not the answer; we must seek to understand one another.”
The government has yet to comment on the reported injuries from the protests or the broader implications of its decision to proceed with the Xeer Ciise exhibition. As tensions remain high in the region, the need for mediation and constructive dialogue appears more critical than ever.
In conclusion, the Somaliland government’s approval of the Xeer Ciise exhibition in Saylac has not only reignited local tensions but also sparked a call for dialogue amid protests in Borama. With community leaders advocating for peace and understanding, the path forward remains uncertain as both sides grapple with an issue that serves as a flashpoint for long-standing inter-clan disputes.
More about Xeer Ciise
Xeer Ciise: Oral customary laws of Somali-Issa communities in Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia/Somaliland that UNESCO registered check this link https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/xeer-ciise-oral-customary-laws-of-somali-issa-communities-in-ethiopia-djibouti-and-somalia-02087
Borama Pictures
Prepared by
Hornpost staff reporter
