By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 6 December 2025 – The Federal Government of Somalia has urged the Somaliland to listen to the concerns of Borama residents after violent clashes rocked the city on Thursday night following strong opposition to a planned UNESCO-recognized event in Awdal region.
In a statement issued today, Somalia’s Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation stressed the importance of protecting civilians and responsibly addressing community grievances.
The ministry called on local elders, religious leaders, businesspeople, women, and youth to maintain calm and support peaceful conflict resolution.
The unrest in Borama, the largest city of the northwestern Awdal region of Somaliland, was triggered by residents’ opposition to celebrate the official recognition of Xeer-Ciise, the oral customary law of the Somali-lssa (Ciisaha) community, by the United Nations, Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
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The clashes, which extended into Friday morning, resulted in injuries and fatalities. However, the exact numbers are yet to be released by Somaliland authorities.
The federal government extended condolences to the families of those killed and wished a swift recovery to the injured, emphasizing its readiness to provide urgent medical support to those affected.
