Hargeisa (Hornpost) The Somaliland National Army has issued a detailed rebuttal to the mounting accusations surrounding the deadly unrest in Borama, marking its most comprehensive public response since the protests erupted.
Despite growing pressure from civil society groups and political actors seeking clarity, the military insists that its forces were not responsible for the civilian casualties.
Speaking at a press briefing, Senior Officer Col. Mohamed Abdi Abdille dismissed claims that soldiers opened fire on demonstrators, instead pointing to what he described as “external elements shooting from elevated and distant positions using sniper rifles.” The Colonel portrayed the situation not as a breakdown of command, but as a calculated attempt to ignite regional instability.
“We are aware of a third hand in these events—individuals firing from far-off positions with sniper rifles. Investigations continue to provide consistent information, and these people are not from Somaliland,” he stated.
Who are these alleged snipers?
By declaring shooters as external actors, the Somaliland public went to show them external actors that the military command declared they killed civilians in Borama during the protest days.
Call for Calm Amid Uncertainty:
In a bid to steady the situation, Col. Abdille appealed directly to residents of Awdal and Salel, regions he described as foundational pillars of Somaliland’s state-building journey.
“The people of Awdal and Salel are the ones who built this nation. We have no fear that they would destroy it with their own hands,” he said, urging calm and rejecting the idea that local communities would turn against the state.
His comments appear aimed at preventing political actors—both internal and external.
Prepared by
Hornpost staff Reporter
