By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia, 6 December 2025 – The President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi ‘Irro’ has suspended the planned UNESCO- recognized Xeer-Ciise event, after violent protest rocked Borama City leading to casualties and destruction of property.
“As President, I have decided to suspend the commemoration of Xeer-Ciise, taking into account the public interest and the feelings of my people..." the President said.
The unrest in Borama, the largest city of the northwestern Awdal region of Somaliland, was triggered by an announcement, made on Thursday, by Information Minister Ahmed Yassin Sheikh Ali that the Xeer-Ciise event would be held in Saylac City. The historic port town of Saylac is in the western part of Awdal region.
The aim of the event was 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).
The President also instructed security forces to prevent further unrest to ensure peace and security prevails.
"I am instructing the various security forces to strengthen security and ensure that no further damage occurs,” Irro added.
This is the second time in 24 hours that the President Irro has addressed the tense situation Borama City.
He said the deaths and injuries could have been avoided and promised that thorough investigations will be conducted to hold those responsible accountable. He ordered security forces return to their barracks.
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"I am instructing all the military forces in the city to return to their barracks," Irro said last night.
The KAAH party accused the Somaliland government of committing atrocities in Borama, particularly targeting those injured and in hospitals.
"It is beyond the law, humanity, and our culture to violate medical facilities where the injured are being treated. This is not the behavior of professional forces entrusted with maintaining security and safeguarding citizens," the party said in a statement issued yesterday.
The President, along with traditional elders and KAAH party, emphasized the need for dialogue and welcomed the peace initiative announced by the elders of the Awdal region.
The administration are yet to announce the number of casualties in the Thursday evening unrest that spilled into Friday morning.