The government of Somaliland, the Awdal regional administration, and community leaders in Borama have addressed acts of violence committed by groups of youths in the city. These attacks targeted individuals of Oromo ethnicity from Ethiopia, following tensions sparked by conflicts between Somalis and Oromos in the Moyale area.
The violence resulted in the destruction and looting of homes inhabited by Oromo individuals—some of whom had resided in the city for a long time—with other properties being set on fire. These incidents occurred amidst intensifying public sentiment and reactions regarding the ongoing conflict in Moyale, located within the Somali Region of Ethiopia.
The Governor of the Awdal region, Boqor Hassan Dahir Haddi, condemned the attacks against the Ethiopian nationals, stating that such actions do not reflect the values of the Awdal community, which is known for its commitment to peace and the welcoming of neighbors.
The Governor announced that security forces have apprehended some of the youths accused of these acts, while others remain the subject of a manhunt. He further pledged that all those involved would be brought to justice. He also called on the public to cooperate with security forces to prevent a resurgence of violence.
The Minister of Information, Barkhad Jama Batun, stated that an investigation would be conducted to identify those behind the attacks on the Oromo people, emphasizing that private citizens cannot take the law into their own hands. He added that such acts damage the reputation of Somaliland’s democracy and the principles by which it operates.
The Mayor of Borama, Mohamud Sheikh Ibrahim, also apologized for the harm inflicted upon the Oromo people, noting that these actions do not reflect the culture or values of the residents of Borama. He urged the youth not to be swayed by reports and videos circulating on social media that could fuel conflict and hatred.
Meanwhile, prominent figures and individuals from the Awdal region have issued appeals via social media, calling for the protection of the Oromo community living in Borama and urging that they not be held responsible for or targeted due to conflicts occurring elsewhere in Ethiopia.
Member of Parliament Abdillahi Hashi Abdi, a member of the Somaliland House of Elders (Guurti), stated in a released document that the burning of homes, looting of property, and intimidation of civilians are entirely unjustifiable. He urged the Somaliland government to ensure the safety of those affected and to bring anyone involved in these acts to justice. MP Mohamed Abiib also criticized the government for failing to prevent these incidents.
He further emphasized that no ethnic or political dispute can justify the targeting of innocent people.
The violence in Borama occurred while clashes were taking place in the town of Moyale—between Somalis and Oromos in Ethiopia—stemming from a long-standing dispute over land and administration. These conflicts have caused displacement and raised fears that the unrest could spread to areas near the border.
A report published by BBC Somali on October 30 stated that Oromo residents in Borama reported that more than 150 homes belonging to Ethiopians had been destroyed or looted. Some of these individuals sought refuge at the Borama airport and other secure locations.
This incident has sparked widespread reaction on social media, with many calling for the protection of civilians’ rights and for a distinction to be made between the conflicts occurring in Ethiopia and the Oromo people living peacefully in Somaliland.
