By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, January 4, 2026 A member of Somaliland’s House of Representatives has given the government a two-day ultimatum to release youths detained in the recent Borama protests or face mass action.
MP Mohamed Abiib, who represents the Awdal region, made the remarks during a press conference he held in Hargeisa on Saturday.
“If the detained youths are not released tomorrow or the day after, we will call on the public to come out peacefully, respect security, and defend their rights,” the lawmaker said.
The youths were arrested in December following violent protests in Borama, the capital of Awdal region, resulting in deaths and injuries. Demonstrations erupted after Israel announced recognition of Somaliland's independence.
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Meanwhile, Somaliland’s Vice President, Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, arrived in the region on Saturday, in an effort to defuse tensions which remain high.
Over the past several months, Awdal has experienced sporadic protests rooted in long-standing grievances related to political representation and disputes over resource allocation between the Hargeisa-based government and peripheral regions.
Somaliland authorities have not yet responded to MP Abiib’s ultimatum or his call for potential protests.
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