By Horn Africa News Staff
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Hargeisa – (Horn Africa News) – Dozens of residents took to the streets of Hargeisa on Monday, voicing outrage over the killing of two civilians by Somaliland security forces in the Agabar area of Gabiley district. The demonstration, which occurred in the city’s 150th neighborhood, followed a weekend of rising tensions surrounding controversial mining operations in the region.
According to local sources, the fatal incident happened during a community protest in Agabar, where residents had gathered to oppose the activities of a mining company accused of operating without local consent. Eyewitnesses reported that security personnel deployed to disperse the protest opened fire on the crowd, resulting in the deaths of two unarmed civilians and injuries to several others.
The killings have ignited widespread condemnation and calls for justice from civil society groups, human rights defenders, and community leaders across Somaliland.
Government Response and Investigation
In response to public pressure, Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi swiftly appointed a high-level committee to investigate the incident. The government also announced a temporary suspension of the contested mining operations and engaged in negotiations with local elders in an effort to calm the situation.
A preliminary agreement was reportedly reached, aimed at reducing tensions and addressing residents’ grievances. However, protestors say the government has failed to implement key terms of the deal, particularly around community consent and safety assurances.
“The promises made have not been honored,” said a protester during Monday’s demonstration in Hargeisa. “People are still in fear, and justice for the victims has not been served.”
Public Outcry and Demands for Reform
Monday’s protest remained largely peaceful, but the anger among demonstrators was palpable. Protesters carried banners denouncing the killings and chanted slogans demanding accountability from security forces and government officials.
“It’s unacceptable and deeply regrettable that security forces respond to peaceful protests with gunfire,” one demonstrator told Horn Africa News. “This is a dangerous precedent for how citizens are treated when they raise legitimate concerns.”
Human rights advocates and legal experts in Somaliland are now calling for comprehensive police reforms. They argue that security personnel—particularly those from military backgrounds—often lack the training needed to handle civilian protests with restraint and professionalism.
“The use of lethal force against civilians exercising their right to protest is a serious violation of human rights,” said a representative from the Somaliland Centre for Human Rights. “This tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved training in crowd control, public engagement, and accountability mechanisms within Somaliland’s security sector.”
Political Implications
The killings and subsequent protests come at a politically sensitive time for Somaliland, as the self-declared republic seeks international recognition and attempts to present itself as a bastion of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. Analysts warn that such incidents could undermine the government’s efforts if not addressed transparently and justly.
As of Tuesday, no arrests had been made in connection with the killings, and the investigation committee’s findings had not yet been made public.
Calls for Accountability
Civil society groups, including local elders in Gabiley and youth activists in Hargeisa, continue to demand that those responsible be held accountable and that the government ensure the safety of communities affected by mining operations.
“This is about dignity, safety, and the right to be heard,” said a community leader from Gabiley. “We are not against development, but it must not come at the cost of our lives.”
