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.
