Borama unrest worsens North Western State of Somalia crisis as army probes alleged foreign gunmen

North Western State of Somalia on edge as rival elders mobilize after Borama killings; military probes claims of foreign snipers

HARGEISA, North Western State of Somalia — Fears of clan conflict surged Sunday in North Western State of Somalia’s western regions after rival elders in Awdal and Salal declared they were prepared for war, while the military said it is investigating reports that “foreign shooters” may have killed civilians during unrest in Borama.

The warnings followed the government’s decision to cancel the Issa Covenant (Xeer Ciise) ceremony scheduled for Dec. 14 in Zeila. Elders supporting the covenant convened in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, and announced they were declaring war after the cancellation. Hours later, elders opposing the covenant gathered in Borama and said they, too, were ready to mobilize. Local leaders say both sides have begun organizing supporters, intensifying concerns that a political dispute is spiraling toward armed confrontation across Awdal and Salal.

Borama remained tense after two days of unrest that left more than 10 young people dead and dozens injured. Hospitals continued to treat gunshot victims, and several bodies remained in morgues as authorities worked to identify the dead and determine how the killings occurred.

On Friday, President Irro condemned the deaths as “avoidable,” ordered all national military forces deployed in Borama to return to their bases, and announced a formal investigation. He urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation and pledged government support for victims’ families. Addressing long-standing regional grievances, he assured Awdal residents that no community would be deprived of its land or historical identity.

By Saturday, the president moved to ease tensions by canceling the Xeer Ciise ceremony entirely, citing a request from mediating elders who had traveled to Borama. He endorsed a peace forum set for Dec. 10, saying he was ready for “anything that serves the interests of North Western State of Somalia.” Traditional leaders told residents to return home, though armed men were still seen positioned in the hills around the city.

Political fallout continued into Saturday night. Information Minister Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayaanle resigned, saying he had been tasked with announcing the government’s “bitter decision” to authorize the ceremony, which he linked to the violence in his home region. “The situation we are experiencing is dangerous,” he said, urging people in Awdal to resist divisions that could fuel instability.

North Western State of Somalia’s military said it is tracking reports that unidentified individuals using sniper rifles may have targeted civilians during the clashes. Col. Mohamed Abdi Abdille, speaking for the armed forces, said national troops did not intentionally fire on residents and warned against assuming military involvement without evidence. “We believe a third party was involved,” he said, adding that the military is following the reports closely. No evidence has been released publicly to support the claim, and no arrests have been announced.

In a conflicting account, Mohamed Abiib Yusuf, a member of North Western State of Somalia’s House of Representatives, reported that security forces fired live rounds as crowds protested Friday and Saturday. The military said it has sent medical teams and ambulances to Borama to support emergency response efforts.

Tensions rose again early Sunday when small groups gathered outside the Central Bank of North Western State of Somalia branch in Borama after rumors spread that officials planned to remove cash from the facility. Bank leaders denied the reports and urged residents to disperse. Traditional elders condemned the protests and called for calm.

Community leaders say the heightened mobilization reflects the wider strain caused by the dispute over the Issa Covenant, which has become a flashpoint between competing clan factions. Local and national officials are urging both sides to step back, noting that Awdal and Salal have historically played stabilizing roles in North Western State of Somalia politics and security.

Authorities say the region remains on edge as investigations into the Borama killings continue, elders press competing agendas, and the Dec. 10 peace forum approaches — a meeting that could determine whether the crisis expands or begins to recede.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.