The President ordered security to be vigilant and prevent further violence, while urging citizens to remain calm

By M.A. Egge

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahmaan Mohamed Abdillaahi (Cirro), on Saturday suspended the ‘Xeer Ciise’ (the Isse customary tenets) book presentation event following the Friday skirmishes event in Borama that resulted in fatalities and injuries; as a section of the community were violent against the function.

In an address to the nation, the President urged the people of Somaliland particularly the communities of Awdal Region and Borama city to remain calm, maintain peace, and uphold social unity.

He emphasized that he is ready to take any steps necessary to protect civilian lives, preserve public safety, and safeguard the national interest of Somaliland.

The President stated, “To all the people of Somaliland, especially those in Awdal Region and Borama, I call for peace, stability and social cohesion”.

He continued, “As President, I am prepared to do whatever is required to protect the lives of my people, to support any consensus reached by the community, and to act in the best interest of the Republic of Somaliland.”

The Head of State explained that he suspended the ‘Xeer Ciise’  event purely out of concern for the public interest and the sentiments of the community.

“Today, as President, I halted the ‘Xeer Ciise’ commemoration, placing the national interest and the concerns of our citizens first.
We are attentive to anything that touches the common good, and we will not allow harm or conflict to affect the peaceful coexistence of the people of Somaliland”, he underpinned.

The President ordered security forces to strengthen public safety to prevent any further unrest, and called on citizens to remain calm and prioritize peace.

“I instruct all branches of the security forces to reinforce security and ensure no further harm occurs.
I also urge the public to restrain their emotions. Above all, the lives of our people are my highest priority”, he stated.

The President also expressed strong support for the peace initiative launched by Somaliland’s traditional leaders to ease tensions between the communities of Awdal and Selel.

“I support and reaffirm the peace process initiated by Somaliland’s traditional leaders, who have immediately stepped forward to mediate between the brotherly communities of Awdal and Selel.
Let the security forces protect all citizens, and let us collectively correct whatever has gone wrong. I am confident that our nation will resolve its differences peacefully”, he said.

In his closing remarks, the President encouraged Somalilanders to calm tensions, safeguard peace, and unite around the national interest.

“Brothers and sisters, let us remain calm, uphold peace, and work for the common good.
“Stability must be protected, for the lives and wellbeing of our people are more valuable than anything else”, he ended his address.

The President had earlier on Friday evening made a passionate appeal for calmness and the upholding of peaceful stability.

He likewise condoled the families who lost loved ones in the skirmishes that was ignited by the rejection of the launch of the ‘Xeer Ciise’ customary tenets in the said regions.

So far, in related event, a large section of Somaliland traditional leaders and the members of the clergy had reached Borama to help bring calmness and peaceful stability following the chaos.

They were seen walking along several streets of Borama city as they ushered calmness that had returned at noon on Saturday.

Somaliland parliament had also moved swiftly to suspend the event on Saturday in their first seating of the new session.

The Former Presidents Riyale and Bihi Urge Immediate De-escalation in Awdal-Saal Dispute

In a significant joint intervention, two former Presidents of Somaliland, H.E. Dahir Riyale Kahin and H.E. Muse Bihi Abdi, have issued a urgent call for peace and an immediate end to rising tensions between communities in the Awdal and neighboring Saal regions.

The former leaders, currently in the United Arab Emirates, disclosed that they have held direct consultations with the incumbent President, H.E. Abdirahman Irro, concerning the crisis. They confirmed that President Irro has agreed to review and reverse the contentious administrative decisions that initially sparked the unrest.

Addressing the situation directly, former President Riyale made a specific appeal for calm to the youth of Awdal. “I am appealing to the youth of Awdal to stop the violence and listen to their elders,” he stated, urging them to follow the guidance of traditional leaders and community intellectuals.

The former presidents also noted they have reached out to the paramount Sultan of the Ciise clan to bolster efforts for reconciliation and reinforce brotherhood between the two communities.

Echoing the call for dialogue, former President Muse Bihi Abdi urged residents in Awdal to engage constructively with a peace delegation presently in the region. He reminded them of Somaliland’s longstanding tradition of respectful dialogue. “People of Awdal, your peace delegations have been heard and respected many times before. Today, it is time to listen to the peace delegation,” Bihi emphasized, underscoring the necessity for wisdom and peaceful resolution.

Local sources indicate that the intervention by the influential former heads of state has been positively received in Awdal, raising hopes for a swift de-escalation and a return to stability in the region.

By M.A. Egge

The House of Representatives of the Republic of Somaliland has issued an urgent resolution ordering the immediate suspension of a controversial book launch event cantered on the “Xeer Ciise” customary tenets, citing it as the primary trigger of recent security disturbances in the Awdal and Selel regions.

In its first sitting of the 13th session held on Saturday, the parliament declared that “security is the foundation of everything” and that any activity undermining peace must be halted without delay.

Key points of the resolution include: –

• Immediate cancellation of the planned “Xeer Ciise” book launch ceremony, which lawmakers said directly contributed to the outbreak of unrest.
• A call for President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro to accelerate the national peace platform already established between the two affected brotherly communities so they can resolve their differences through dialogue.
• An outright ban on all demonstrations and acts of violence in the affected areas.
• A directive to the government to restore and maintain comprehensive security across Awdal and Selel regions.
• A requirement for the government to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to civilians and security personnel injured during the clashes.
• An appeal to Somaliland’s traditional elders and religious scholars to actively participate in efforts to restore calm and stability.

The resolution comes amid escalating tensions in parts of Awdal and Selel regions over the past week, where protests linked to the book’s presentation, rejected by a section of the regional communities turned violent, reportedly leaving civilians and security personel deaths and injuries.

Parliamentarians emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and strict adherence to the rule of law, urging all parties to prioritize the higher interests of the nation.

The Government of Republic of Somaliland strongly condemns the continued interference and deliberate destabilizing actions carried out by the Federal Government of Somalia in relation to the violent incidents that occurred today in Borama, Awdal Region.

These actions are calculated, coordinated, and clearly designed to inflame tensions, spread disinformation, and deepen divisions within the peaceful and cohesive communities of Somaliland. Such conduct constitutes a grave violation of international norms and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

The Republic of Somaliland will not tolerate externally orchestrated attempts to undermine public order, weaken national unity, or incite violence against its citizens. Our security institutions remain fully committed to protecting civilians, restoring calm, and upholding the rule of law with utmost professionalism and restraint.

The government of Somaliland deeply regrets the loss of civilian lives during the resent unrest.  The relevant institutions are working to commission an inquiry to establish the facts surrounding these tragic events. His Excellency, the President has called for calm and patience, reaffirming the government will continue to engage with community leaders, civil society, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure stability, accountability and peaceful resolution.

The Ministry calls upon regional organizations, the African Union, the United Nations, and all responsible members of the international community to unequivocally reject and condemn these provocative and destabilizing actions by the Federal Government of Somalia, and to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and hard-won peace of the Republic of Somaliland.

Somaliland’s stability and democratic achievements are irreversible. No external interference will succeed in reversing the progress our people have made over the past three decades.

By Ahmed Maxamed

Although drought and climate shocks are frequent in this part of the Horn of Africa, 2025 has brought unusually severe hardships for families and children across Somaliland.

Travelling down from the Sheikh mountains on the route from Berbera on the Gulf of Aden, to Burao in Togdheer , the environment tells its own story. The land becomes harsher and more barren, dust hangs heavier in the air, and the animals that normally line the roadside—camels and goats—are noticeably scarce.

Current reports indicate that this year’s rainfall is among the lowest ever documented. Conditions are now even drier than during the same months in 2022, when a catastrophic drought wiped out livestock, ruined harvests, and forced countless families to abandon their homes in search of aid.

Ms. Koos Hassan Duale is among mothers attending the outpatient treatment programme at Dr Yusuf health center in Burao,Togdheer region.

“I attended this health facility to receive antenatal services like checkup, counselling and when required treatments. My children are also brought to the centre for important health services like immunization and nutrition’ she stated.

Koos is among thousands of women, newborns and children across Togdheer who are benefiting from the Better Lives Health Programme, funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

A Lifeline for Pregnant Women and Newborns in Togdheer

At the Sheik Yusuf MCH, mothers wait patiently with their children—some for vaccinations, others for antenatal checks or nutrition assessments. This facility, like many others in Togdheer, receives direct support through the Better Lives programme.

The programme offers an essential package of health and nutrition services, including:

• Maternal and antenatal care

• Neonatal and newborn support

• Nutrition screening and treatment

• Referral services for complicated pregnancies

• Supply of essential medicines

For women in this district, these services are not only helpful—they are life-saving.

Meeting Critical Health Needs in Burao and Beyond

According to Dr Sahra Abdi, Dr Yusuf Health centre, the programme’s impact in Burao has been substantial.

“The Better Lives Health programme is reaching families who would otherwise struggle to access quality care,” she explains. “For instance, through the referral system, pregnant women with complications are taken by ambulance to Burao Regional Hospital, where they receive specialized and lifesaving services.

The support also includes regular supplies of essential medicines and equipment to health facilities, ensuring that services remain reliable even in remote and underserved communities.

Strengthening Health Systems for the Future

With support from FCDO, UNICEF works closely with the Somaliland Ministry of Health Development and implementing partners such as  Mercy USA to ensure that services reach the most vulnerable populations.

Health, Hope and a Better Tomorrow

At the Burao MCH, Koos finishes her check-up and prepares to leave. She clutches her medical booklet tightly—a small reminder that she is not alone on this journey.

“With this programme, I feel confident about my health,” she says softly. “It has given me hope.”

Through partnerships, community engagement, and sustained support from donors like FCDO, the Better Lives programme is helping women like Ikran stay healthy, helping newborns survive, and helping entire communities in Togdheer build a healthier future.

Justice is the most essential pillar upon which a stable and resilient nation can be built upon.

By M.A. Ehge

The sentiments were unequivocally expressed by the President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro as he opened the National Conference on Justice Sector Reform on Tuesday, whereupon he delivered a highly significant keynote speech.

The conference is a major two-day convention that brings together all the justice line stakeholders to chart the way forward in bolstering the sector and enhance the trust of the populaces to the judiciary.

The President likewise pledged that resolutions from the summit would be adopted to make the goals of the sector most feasible.

A similar conference was last held a decade and a half ago hence has this time been convened by the justice ministry under the leadership of Minister Hon. Yonis Ahmed Yonis, in collaboration with international development partners including the United Nations (UNDP) and the European Union.

Scheduled to run for two days, the conference is focused on establishing a justice system that is modern, independent, transparent, and fully responsive to the fundamental rights of Somaliland citizens.

Justice Is the Foundation of a Strong State

In his address, the Head of State emphasized that justice is the most essential pillar upon which a stable and resilient nation can be built. He noted that justice underpins the protection of citizens’ rights, the fulfilment of national duties, and the smooth functioning of state institutions.

The President underscored that justice plays a decisive role in every aspect of society—from peace and stability to economic development and national unity.

He stated the fact that no nation can progress without a justice system that serves and reaches all citizens equally, without discrimination based on social status, clan identity, or economic background.

A Call for Independent, Expert-Led Reform

Highlighting the significance of the gathering, the President pointed out that, “This important conference brings together all stakeholders in the justice sector, as well as legal and judicial experts”.

He continued, “Working independently, and guided by your knowledge and experience, you have the responsibility to thoroughly analyze the system, strengthen what works, correct what has gone off-track, and introduce modalities of what is missing.”

The President reaffirmed his constitutional responsibility to uphold the laws of the Republic of Somaliland, pledging that his administration will implement the recommendations and reforms emerging from the National Conference on Justice Sector Reform.

Restoring Trust in Justice

To address grievances within the justice sector and restore public confidence in the courts, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing justice and the rule of law across the country as per the national ‘Government of Unity and Delivery’ agenda.

Photo One. Idhanka health Centre board

By Goth Mohamed

At Idhaanka Health centre, mothers like Rahmo Mohamed Ali come for antenatal check-ups.

“They check my weight, my blood pressure, and the health of my children,” Rahmo says. “I’m grateful to receive these services.”

The centre also offers immunization against diseases including tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis and polio. Its catchment population includes many people from adjacent villages.

Early detection of common childhood illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria is lifesaving. At the Health centre, mothers receive guidance on caring for their children, along with supplies of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF)a nutrient-rich paste used to treat severe acute malnutrition. Children with medical complications linked to malnutrition are referred to the stabilization centre at Borama Regional Hospital.

Saving Mothers’ Lives in Rural Somaliland

Expectant mothers in Somaliland’s rural areas face increased risks during pregnancy and childbirth, often relying on unskilled birth attendants due to limited access to quality maternal health services.

At Borama Regional Hospital, the neonatal unit offers life-saving care to premature and vulnerable newborns.

How the Better Lives Programme Is Changing Communities

The Better Lives Programme, funded by the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), was launched to improve the wellbeing of the most vulnerable women and children across Somalia and Somaliland. In Somaliland, the programme focuses on Awdal and Togdheer regions, supporting primary healthcare and strengthening health systems to expand access to integrated, community-level services.

According to Dr Muse Ahmed, Awdal Regional Health Coordinator, says the programme currently supports the districts of Zeila and Borama in Awdal regions and focuse on supporting critical health services within these districts. These services include provision of medical and essential supplies. The programme has reached and benefited thousands of commnunites members since its inception.

Within the wider Awdal region the programme supports the following.

Within the wider Awdal region the programme supports the following.

*14 Maternal and Child Health Centre

*2 hospitals

*7 primary health units

One of the critical services is the referral of pregnant mothers from rural communities to Borama Hospital for specialized care, including Caesarean sections.

Transforming Idhanka Health Centre Through Climate-Resilient Investments

A significant milestone under the Better Lives programme is the transformation of Idhanka Health Centre in Awdal. Once dilapidated and struggling to meet basic service needs, the centre has benefited also from rehabilitation and construction of the facility—giving thousands of people renewed access to quality maternal, newborn and child health services.

But the rehabilitation went beyond buildings.

To chronic water scarcity—a major barrier to health service delivery—the programme finalized a new borehole and installed a 6-kilometre water pipeline connecting the borehole to the health centre and surrounding communities.

This climate-resilient water system will:

Provides clean and reliable water for the health facility

Supplies communities living along the pipeline, including women and children vulnerable to drought

Reduces reliance on unsafe water sources

Enhances hygiene, infection prevention and control (IPC) in the facility

The system was designed using climate-smart approaches, ensuring long-term sustainability in a region prone to drought, water shortages and variable rainfall.

A Future of Healthier Mothers and Children

Through close collaboration with government institutions, local authorities and NGOs, UNICEF is delivering integrated health and nutrition services to vulnerable communities. In Awdal, the programme operates in Borama and Zeila districts, while in Togdheer it supports services in Burao and Odweine.

The three-year programme aims to:

*Reduce maternal and child mortality

*Strengthen primary healthcare and referral systems

*Combat infectious disease threats

*Expand nutrition treatment and prevention

Build climate-resilient health services

From rehabilitating rural health centres to providing life-saving neonatal care, and from strengthening maternal health services to building climate-smart water systems, the Better Lives programme is creating lasting, transformative change for women and children in Somaliland.

Hargeisa – Somaliland police arrested politician Jama Shabeel on Monday, citing his recent visits to Las Anod and Buhodle as a violation of the “existence of the Republic of Somaliland.”

Shabeel, a vocal critic of former President Muse Bihi Abdi’s policies during the Las Anod conflict, has long advocated for dialogue between Somaliland and the newly formed Northeastern State administration. He stated that his visit aimed to promote peace and encourage direct talks between the two sides.

In a statement, the Somaliland Police Force accused Shabeel of “anti-State” activities.

“The Somaliland Police Force today arrested the accused, Jama Shabeel, on charges of anti-nationalism and violating the existence of the Republic of Somaliland through acts he recently engaged in,” the statement read. “The accused will be brought before the country’s judicial institutions immediately.”

The police also issued a warning, vowing to take action against “anyone involved in acts that violate the existence of the Somaliland nation.”

During his visit to Las Anod, Shabeel met with politicians and cultural leaders from the Northeastern State to discuss pathways for direct negotiations and prisoner exchanges.

Shabeel has repeatedly challenged Somaliland’s claims over disputed territories. He has argued that Somaliland “cannot achieve its claimed borders without the consent of the local population” and has frequently questioned Somaliland’s status.

“What nation are you talking about? And who recognizes it?” he said recently on Horyaal TV, insisting that Somaliland and the Northeastern administration must “speak on equal terms.”

His arrest follows similar actions by Somaliland authorities.

While hostilities  between Somaliland and the SSC has ceased .The two sides have not resumed formal dialogue, and no significant prisoner exchange has occurred despite repeated calls from the federal government.

HARGEISA — A clash erupted at Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport on Monday between airport security and civilians escorting former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi as he departed for the United Arab Emirates, authorities have confirmed.

Officials stated that airport personnel were not notified in advance of the former president’s travel plans, contributing to the incident.

Somaliland’s Minister of Aviation and Airports Development, Fu’aad Ahmed Nuux, explained that Bihi arrived with an unscheduled and sizable convoy of vehicles, breaching established protocol. The minister said he later held a private discussion with Bihi to improve coordination for future trips.

“We expressed our respect and welcome for him but clarified that the airport and ministry must be informed of his travel plans in advance,” Minister Fu’aad told reporters. “We will ensure the former president is afforded the proper protocol entitled to him for future departures and returns.”

Police spokesperson Colonel Abdiasis Sheikh Ismail said the confrontation began when civilians in the former president’s escort attempted to force their way into the airport, leading security forces to intervene. He confirmed that the police chief has ordered the arrest of the soldiers who discharged their weapons during the altercation.

“Former President His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi deserves respect and dignity. Today’s incident was a clash between airport security and the civilians accompanying him,” Colonel Ismail stated.

He added that the police chief has referred the matter to a high-level committee for a comprehensive investigation.