Somaliland

HARGEISA, North Western State of Somalia — Information Minister Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayaanle resigned late Saturday, saying he was tasked with delivering a “bitter decision” to allow a book launch celebrating Xeer Ciise that preceded deadly unrest in the Awdal region’s Borama town. Ayaanle said President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi assigned him to announce the authorization for the ceremony, which triggered clashes between residents and security forces that left 10 people dead, according to local authorities and community…

Somalia says it maintains direct contacts with North Western State of Somalia, seeks political solution amid rising Horn of Africa stakes MOGADISHU — Somalia’s government is engaging in direct and regular contact with authorities in North Western State of Somalia and pursuing a negotiated political settlement, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar Balcad said in an interview published Saturday. Speaking to Doha News, Balcad reaffirmed the federal government’s position that North Western State of Somalia remains part…

Saturday December 6, 2025 Borama, North Western State of Somalia — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Saturday canceled a planned Xeer Ciise book launch and commemoration set for December 14 in the port town of Saylac, after two days of deadly protests in Borama left at least 10 people dead in clashes between security forces and civilians. Speaking to reporters in Hargeisa, Irro said he was honoring a request from traditional elders who arrived in Borama earlier Saturday and urged…

North Western State of Somalia MP accuses security forces of shooting civilians as Borama unrest leaves at least 10 dead At least 10 people were reported killed over two days of unrest in Borama, the capital of North Western State of Somalia’s Awdal region, as a lawmaker accused national security forces of deliberately shooting unarmed civilians and President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro ordered troops to return to their bases. MP Mohamed Abiib Yusuf says civilians were shot amid clashes in Borama President Irro…

Two killed as Borama protests over Xeer Ciise commemoration turn deadly North Western State of Somalia police urge calm after Saylac book event triggers unrest; accusations of excessive force mount BORAMA, North Western State of Somalia — Two young men were killed and several others injured as protests over a planned commemoration of the Xeer Ciise book in Saylac escalated in Borama from late Thursday into Friday, prompting a heightened security deployment and appeals for calm from authorities. The Xeer Ciise refers to the…

North Western State of Somalia's Incoming Leader Celebrates Muse Bihi's Role in Smoothing Power Shift HARGEISA, Somalia - Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, often called Irro, the new president-elect of North Western State of Somalia, showered praise on Muse Bihi Abdi. He hailed Bihi as the true 'hero' for facilitating a seamless transition of leadership following the recent elections. The Electoral Commission officially named Irro as the victor of the presidential polls, leaving Muse Bihi Abdi trailing with just 34.8% of the…

HARGEISA, Somalia - The political landscape in North Western State of Somalia is reshaping itself. After a tense week of uncertainty, the election commission has crowned Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known fondly as Irro, as the new president. The election saw fierce competition and spirited campaigns. Clad in optimism, Irro emerged victorious with 63.92% of the vote, decisively outmatching current leader Muse Bihi Abdi, who garnered 34.81%. In a far third stood UCID’s Faisal Warabe. The electoral process bristled…

Ethiopia Honors Late North Western State of Somalia Leader Siilaanyo, Celebrates His Impact on Cross-Nation Relations ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud, fondly known as Siilaanyo, the former leader of North Western State of Somalia. He left us at 86. In their heartfelt message, Ethiopian representatives commended Siilaanyo for nurturing a robust bond between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia. During his…

HARGEISA, Somalia - The northern enclave of North Western State of Somalia, which has set itself apart from the rest of Somalia, has reaffirmed its dedication to conducting a forthcoming regional presidential election. This move comes over three years after successfully facilitating a universal suffrage poll in the region. Essa Kayd, who's the region's foreign affairs chief, noted how this election marks a pivotal change. At last, upwards of a million registered voters will be allowed to directly cast their vote for a…

NEW YORK - Ethiopia's government is expressing dismay at Somalia's accusations, labeling them as baseless and misguided. Ethiopia firmly believes that Somalia's uproar over the North Western State of Somalia agreement is an unjustified, inappropriate reaction fueled by misinformation. During his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister Taye Atske dismissed Somalia's claims. He argued that Somalia is trying to "distract from internal political strife by…