Friday 19 December , 2025 (HMC) – Somaliland government has announced that 19 people were killed and 214 others injured during protests earlier this month in Borama, the capital of Awdal region, following clashes between security forces and demonstrators.
The newly appointed governor of Awdal, Abdirashid Hassan Mataan, said 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, he said.
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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 advanced medical treatment. He said the condition of those injured is improving.
Speaking after assuming office on Thursday, the governor said he is confident the unrest in the region can be brought under control, noting 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, saying the incident that led to the deaths was not a deliberate act aimed at harming Somaliland, but rather an unplanned incident 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.
Source Hiiraan Onine
