Borama (Kaab TV) – The Somaliland government has reported that 19 people were killed and 214 others injured during protests earlier this month in Borama, the capital of the Awdal region, following clashes between security forces and demonstrators.
Awdal’s newly appointed governor, Abdirashid Hassan Mataan, stated that the fatalities included one woman. Of the injured, 194 sustained minor injuries, while 20 remain hospitalized in Borama and two others are receiving treatment in Hargeisa.
Governor Mataan added that nine people were initially transferred to Hargeisa Hospital, but seven were later flown by the government to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for specialized medical care. He noted that the condition of the injured is gradually improving.
Speaking after taking office on Thursday, Governor Mataan expressed confidence that the unrest in the region can be controlled. He highlighted the historical role of Awdal residents in Somaliland’s independence struggle and their ongoing contributions to the region’s development.
Somaliland’s Minister of Interior, Abdalle Mohamed Arab, described Awdal as one of the safest regions in Somaliland. He emphasized that the incident resulting in the deaths was not a deliberate act against the state but an unplanned event that tragically led to unexpected losses.
Meanwhile, Somaliland Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi called on residents of Borama and surrounding western regions to remain vigilant against further unrest. He urged communities to coexist peacefully, stressing the importance of preserving long-standing social harmony.
The violence followed the government’s approval of a commemoration for Xeer Ciise, the traditional customary law of the Somali-Issa communities in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia, which is officially recognized by UNESCO.
The decision sparked anger among segments of the Borama community, leading to protests that escalated into violent confrontations with security forces.