Borama, Somaliland (Hornpost) The situation in the city of Borama, Somaliland, has calmed down tonight, after protests that took place last night resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of young people, many of whom were killed by police forces who were trying to prevent the violence in Governmental offices and police stations.
leaders of opposition parties in Somaliland have raised urgent concerns regarding the prevailing unrest in the city of Borama. Mohamoud Hashi Abdi, the Chairman of the Kaah Party, and Mohamed Kahin Ahmed, the Chairman of the Kulmiye Party, have urged the government to immediately de-escalate the situation and suspend the controversial book launch of the “Xeer Ciise,” which has sparked public outrage.
Mohamoud Hashi Abdi, the Chairman of the Kaah Party, said “The period set for the book of the law of Jesus (Xeer ciise) should be stopped and suspended, and the bed of peace should be brought forward” added “Borama is a city of knowledge, peace, and the foundation of the Republic of Somaliland. It is not a place to subject its citizens to live ammunition and military forces.”
The city has witnessed last night unrest, as protests erupted over the proposed launch of the Xeer Ciise, a set of customary laws that some community members believe threatens their cultural identity and local governance. “There are voices being raised about the situation in Borama; there are issues being created that lead to unrest,” warned Mohamed Kahin, highlighting the need for urgent intervention by authorities.
In a united front, leaders from various sectors including traditional elders, parliamentarians, and intellectuals from the Awdal region and hall Somaliland have echoed similar sentiments.
They have called on the community to take measures to safeguard their city. “We will hold accountable those responsible for what has transpired in Borama,” declared Ugaas Abdirashid Ugaas Dodi, the overarching chief of the Gudabiirsi clan. He specifically appealed to the President of Somaliland to halt the launch of the contentious book, stating, “As we have agreed, President, I urge you to inform my people that I will not allow to take an inch of our land.”
Adding to the tension, MP Mohamed Abib accused President Abdirahman Cirro’s administration of planning to deploy military forces to the city. He asserted that the government would bear responsibility for any violence that ensues.
PM Amina Farido also expressed her discontent, stating, “I swear, Ciroy, the protests will not stop until you withdraw the military from Borama and consider the lives lost,” she declared
In a broader context, Mubarak Ismail Tani, the former head of the Office of the President, offered a poignant perspective. “Without framing Borama’s situation as merely a political maneuver against the Somaliland government, I urge the Somaliland government to provide a sustainable solution devoid of violence and to accept responsibility for the circumstances that have arisen from these contentious decisions.”
As the calls for dialogue and peace resonate throughout the community, the need for a balanced after last night protest and unrest. The people of Borama, and indeed the wider Somaliland, are being encouraged to engage in peaceful discourse, emphasizing the importance of wise leadership and the role of traditional authorities in navigating these challenging times.
Prepared by:
Hornpost staff Reporter
