Event Summary
On 5 December 2025, violent clashes erupted in Borama, the capital of the Awdal region, following the sudden approval of a book launch on Xeer Ciise, a traditional customary law system of the Issa community. The book launch had previously been banned, and its approval sparked widespread anger among local communities, escalating rapidly into confrontations between protesters and security forces. Reports indicate that the unrest resulted in at least 10 deaths and more than 45 injuries, making it one of the deadliest incidents in Borama in recent years.
The controversy is tied to the cultural and political significance of Xeer Ciise, which was recently recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, highlighting its national and cultural importance. The sudden approval heightened tensions in Awdal, particularly among communities perceiving marginalization, fueling unrest and deepening social divisions.
These clashes have adversely affected the civic space and enabling environment for CSOs in the region. Heightened security presence, public fear, and restrictions on movement disrupted community engagement and advocacy activities. Media reporting on the incident was also constrained due to the pre-existing pattern of journalist harassment and repression in Somaliland.
The violence and its aftermath created ongoing risks to CSO operations, independent reporting, and community-based initiatives, underscoring the fragility of civic space in Borama and the broader Awdal region.