Borama, December 19, 2025 — Somaliland authorities say at least 19 people were killed and more than 200 others injured during protests earlier this month in Borama, the capital of the Awdal region, following violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators.
The figures were announced by the newly appointed Awdal regional governor, Abdirashid Hassan Mataan, who said the victims included 18 men and one woman. According to the governor, a total of 214 people were injured, with 194 sustaining minor injuries. Twenty people remain hospitalized in Borama, while two others are receiving treatment in Hargeisa.
Mataan said nine of the injured were initially transferred to Hargeisa, but seven were later flown by the Somaliland government to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for advanced medical care. He added that the condition of those receiving treatment is improving.
Speaking after formally assuming office this week, Governor Mataan expressed confidence that stability could be restored in the region. He highlighted the historical role of the people of Awdal in Somaliland’s self-declared independence and their continued contribution to the region’s development.
Somaliland’s Minister of Interior, Abdalle Mohamed Arab, described Awdal as one of the most peaceful regions in Somaliland, stressing that the deadly incident was not a deliberate act aimed at undermining stability, but rather an unplanned event that led to tragic and unexpected loss of life.
Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi also appealed to residents of Borama and other western regions to remain calm and avoid further unrest. He urged communities to preserve long-standing social harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The violence erupted after Somaliland authorities approved plans to hold a cultural commemoration known as Xeer Ciise, a traditional customary law of the Somali-Issa communities in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia that is recognized by UNESCO. The decision sparked anger among sections of the Borama community, triggering protests that later escalated into clashes with security forces.
