By: Eng Moussa Abdillahi Nour International Relations and Diplomacy
Above all, the Government of Somaliland must adhere to law and order, ensuring that disputes are managed through legal frameworks, fair enforcement, and peaceful resolution mechanisms. Without law and order, peace cannot be sustained, democracy cannot thrive, and resilience cannot take root.
Somaliland’s stability and political identity are symbolized by three pillars: peace and stability, democracy through elections, and resilience through peacebuilding and development. These achievements distinguish Somaliland in the Horn of Africa and form the foundation of its quest for international recognition.
However, recent unrest in Awdal and Selel Regions threatens these gains. Clashes in Borama and Zeila stem from tribal land disputes and tensions surrounding the UNESCO-approved Essa Traditional Law anniversary planned for 1 November 2025 in Zaylac, which the Garabuursi community opposes.
If left unaddressed, these disputes could undermine Somaliland’s unity, damage its democratic reputation, and weaken resilience. The new government of President Abdirahman Mohamed
Abdillahi Irro has a critical opportunity to act decisively to safeguard the nation’s symbolic pillars.
Key Issues
• Peace and Stability at Risk: Tribal disputes in Awdal and Selel have triggered violent clashes. Rising mistrust between communities threatens to destabilize the western frontier. Escalation risks regional fragmentation and undermines Somaliland’s long-standing reputation for stability.
• Democracy and Inclusivity: Somaliland’s democratic elections are a regional model, but democracy must extend to cultural and communal inclusivity. The UNESCO heritage event is seen as a victory for cultural recognition but has fueled perceptions of exclusion by some groups. Marginalized communities risk disengagement from the democratic system.
• Resilience and Peacebuilding: The Erigavo peacebuilding process showed the effectiveness of dialogue-driven solutions. Western regions lack sustainable conflict-resolution mechanisms. Without institutionalized peacebuilding, local disputes risk recurring cycles of violence.
Policy Recommendations
• Protect Peace and Stability: Adherence to law and order; preventive mediation by elders and religious leaders; establish a rapid response mechanism; impartial security deployment.
• Strengthen Democracy and Inclusivity: Ensure inclusive cultural representation in national events; guarantee equitable regional representation; institutionalize dialogue platforms.
• Build Resilience Through Peacebuilding and Development: Establish permanent regional peace committees; launch inclusive development projects in western regions; encourage private-sector engagement in cross-community initiatives.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Somaliland’s three symbolic pillars—peace and stability, democracy, and resilience—remain its strongest assets in an uncertain regional context. Yet the current tensions in Awdal and Selel remind us that these pillars are fragile if not actively protected.
The government of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro must act swiftly to contain and resolve the emerging tribal disputes, promote inclusive cultural and political representation, and strengthen resilience through institutionalized peacebuilding and equitable development.
By safeguarding these pillars under the principle of law and order, Somaliland will preserve its domestic harmony and strengthen its case for international recognition as a stable, democratic, and resilient state in the Horn of Africa.