By HAN News Desk
BORAMA — A former senior Somaliland official has urged Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro, the president of Somaliland Northwest state to take swift and meaningful steps to calm escalating tensions in Borama, where unrest has intensified following the endorsement of the controversial Xeer Ciise declaration.
Reports from Borama describe a city on edge, with confrontations breaking out between residents and security forces deployed in response to public anger over the decision. The move to approve the traditional charter has triggered widespread frustration, street protests, and a sense of deepening mistrust among parts of the local population.
In a statement posted on Facebook, former director-general Mohamed Yusuf appealed directly to Somaliland’s leadership, calling for actions that he believes are essential to easing the crisis and restoring confidence.
He urged the president to order the withdrawal of security forces from residential areas in Borama, arguing that their presence has contributed to rising tensions. He said responsibility for calming the situation should be handed over to local elders and traditional leaders, whom he described as better placed to mediate and rebuild community trust.
Mohamed Yusuf also called on the administration to reverse the decision that sparked the unrest, saying a formal retraction would send an important signal that the administration is willing to listen to the concerns of the people of Borama. According to him, reversing the move could help repair the strained relationship between authorities and the community.
He further pressed the administration to acknowledge responsibility for the casualties reported during the clashes and to commit to transparent investigations, fair compensation for families, and accountability where necessary. Given the loss of life and the number of injuries, he said the public deserves clarity, justice, and reassurance.
