By HAN News Desk
HARGEISA — Somaliland’s Information Minister, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayaanle, has resigned following deadly unrest in Borama linked to a government-sanctioned ceremony.
Minister Ayaanle announced his resignation on Saturday night, saying he had been tasked by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi with conveying the decision to allow the launch of a book on Xeer Ciise, a traditional legal code of the Somali-Issa communities in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia.
He told reporters in Hargeisa that the decision had sparked violence in his home region, leaving at least ten people dead.
“I cannot imagine that such a bitter decision—one that ignited violence in my own community—would be delegated to me,” he said. “I read the decision that led to violence, but when it came to calming the nation, the President delivered the speech himself.”
Despite the unrest, Minister Ayaanle described the President as a “noble leader” and thanked the people of Somaliland for supporting him during his tenure.
He also appealed to the people of Awdal region to uphold peace and avoid conflict, warning against divisions that could fuel further instability. “The situation we are experiencing today is dangerous. You have the right to reject decisions, but we must avoid outcomes that benefit enemies or drag us into a dark history,” he said.
Tensions in Borama eased on Sunday after President Abdillahi cancelled the Xeer Ciise ceremony and announced plans for a peace forum on 10 December. Traditional elders instructed residents to return home, although armed men were reported to remain in the mountains surrounding the town.
The unrest followed the government’s approval of the Xeer Ciise commemoration, which has been officially recognised by UNESCO. The announcement provoked anger among some residents of Borama, leading to clashes with security forces in which three soldiers protecting visiting elders were reportedly killed.
