By Asha Elmi - Reporter
What is Xeer Ciise?Xeer Ciise is a customary legal system practiced by the Ciise clan, who live in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Djibouti.
This system has been in place for over 500 years and encompasses:
- Mediation of conflicts and reconciliation
- Compensation and communal punishment
- Community leadership and general social ethics
In December 2024, UNESCO recognized Xeer Ciise as an intangible cultural heritage, highlighting its role in peacebuilding and promoting social cohesion.
Why is Awdal region's Saylac and Boorama Cities connected to the Issue ?The Xeer Ciise anniversary celebration was planned to be held in Saylac, a historic port city on the Red Sea, inhabited by both the Ciise and Gadabuursi clans.
Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali, the Minister of Information of Somaliland, had announced on Thursday afternoon that the Xeer Ciise anniversary celebration would take place in Saylac.
The announcement sparked anger among the residents of Boorama, mostly Gadabuursi, who viewed the celebration in Saylac as a territorial claim against their historic lands by Ciise Clan. Hundreds of people protested in Boorama, raising the Awdal flag and demanding that the celebration be canceled.
Clashes erupted at night, with security forces clashing with protesters. Independent reports and health workers confirmed that people were killed and injured, though the official death toll has not been released.
Differing perspectives: Mogadishu and Hargeisa
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- The Federal Government of Somalia (Mogadishu) described the violent clashes as “regrettable and preventable,” calling on Somaliland to heed the grievances of the Boorama residents.
- Somaliland (Hargeisa) accused Mogadishu of “intentional interference aimed at destabilizing peaceful areas,” stating that federal government’s actions are escalating political tensions.
Action by the President of SomalilandThe President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro,” suspended the celebration, stating:
“As President, I have canceled the Xeer Ciise celebration in consideration of the public interest and the feelings of my people…”
He also instructed the security forces to help restore order using lawful means.
“I am ordering all security forces to ensure peace and prevent any casualties.”
Underlying causes of the conflictThe Saylac conflict is rooted in:
- Territorial claims: Saylac is historically shared by the Ciise and Gadabuursi clans, but each claims ownership over the area.
- Culture and recognition: The Ciise see the celebration as a rightful cultural event, while the Gadabuursi perceive it as a political assertion over land ownership.
Xeer Ciise and regional politicsWhile Xeer Ciise is a traditional system, it has now become a tool for demonstrating clan identity and political influence. UNESCO recognition has amplified its visibility, making cultural celebrations politically significant.
Impact and future prospectsSuspending the celebration has reduced immediate tensions, but deep-rooted differences over land, history, and political representation remain unresolved. Local elders and politicians insist that dialogue and peace forums are the only effective means to prevent future clashes.
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