Senior traditional Sultan leaders in Somaliland’s Awdal region have announced that calm has been restored in the city of Borama following days of deadly protests, with security responsibilities formally handed back to the Somaliland Police Forces.
In a series of statements issued after meetings with police commanders at Borama’s central police station, the leaders urged the community to cooperate with authorities, reopen businesses and universities, and maintain peace to enable development.
Key figures, including Sultan Abdirahman Jama Dhawal, Sultan Hassan Haji Baade, Sultan Mohamed Sultan Salebaan Ali Ismail, and Sultan Samatar Ibrahim Jama Samatar, emphasized that police have resumed control of checkpoints and city security effective immediately. They instructed youth to return to work, warned against interference with security forces, and called for militias or armed groups to disband and return home.
Sultan Dhawal shared with the community that the Police Forces of the Republic of Somaliland have today taken over the maintenance of security and the control of checkpoints in the city of Borama. “Starting from this hour, the security of the city has been taken over by the Somaliland Police Forces.”
“The police must be allowed to perform their duties freely… no one can interfere,” Sultan Baade stated, adding that cooperation is essential for peace and progress.
Sultan Mohamed emphasized that no good life is possible in a place without security, and therefore commands and security advice must be followed. “I am speaking with the parents of Borama city: do not block roads or harm people, because what is lost is our order and coexistence. We are working on the checkpoints—they have all been reopened today, they are operating, and security forces are there.”
Finally, the Sultan Samatar called on the Borama community to cooperate with the Police Forces and work together for the overall stability of the city. “Let us cooperate on security with the forces when they resume their work—we must cooperate.”
Traditional leaders played a pivotal role in de-escalation, mediating with police and military commanders to reinstate normal security operations. They stressed community participation in maintaining order, warning against roadblocks or disruptions, and highlighted that security is prerequisite for progress. Health centers and police stations have reportedly resumed operations, with efforts underway to sensitize youth and reopen essential services.
