Hargeisa – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” has ordered the immediate suspension of the public launch of the book Xeer Ciise, after authorities linked the event to violent unrest that led to deaths and injuries in the city of Borama, Awdal region.

According to sources, the president’s decision followed urgent appeals and messages from the House of Representatives, senior politicians, former officials, traditional elders, and international partners, all expressing concern over the escalating tensions linked to the book event.

Today’s sitting of the Somaliland House of Representatives was overshadowed by the situation in Awdal. The parliamentary leadership announced that no formal debate would be held on the matter, instead instructing MPs to urgently focus on helping to contain and de-escalate the crisis.

Although Borama was reported to be relatively calm on Saturday, the city still bears the impact of the clashes that broke out from the previous night into the following day. Local health facilities have received a number of people who sustained injuries during the disturbances.

Meanwhile, Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation has called on the Somaliland authorities to swiftly resolve the situation and to refrain from the use of force against civilians, urging a peaceful and responsible handling of the tensions surrounding the book launch.