Borama – The Somaliland government has confirmed that 19 people were killed and 214 others injured during protests earlier this month in Borama, the capital of the Awdal region. The casualties followed clashes between security forces and demonstrators.
The newly appointed governor of Awdal, Abdirashid Hassan Mataan, announced that the fatalities included one woman. Of the injured, 194 sustained minor wounds, 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. Of those, seven were later flown by the government to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for advanced medical treatment. He stated that the condition of the injured is improving.
Speaking after assuming office on Thursday, the governor expressed confidence that the unrest in the region could be brought under control. He noted that the people of Awdal played a key role in Somaliland’s independence struggle and continue to contribute significantly to its development.
Somaliland’s Minister of Interior, Abdalle Mohamed Arab, described Awdal as one of the safest regions in Somaliland. He stated that the incident leading to the deaths was not a deliberate act aimed at harming Somaliland but rather an unplanned event that resulted in tragic and unexpected losses.
Meanwhile, Somaliland Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi urged residents of Borama and other western regions to remain vigilant against further unrest. He called on communities in the area to coexist peacefully, emphasizing the importance of maintaining long-standing social harmony.
The violence erupted after the Somaliland government authorized a commemoration of 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 sections of the Borama community, triggering protests that escalated into violent confrontations with security forces.
