By M.A. Egge
The House of Representatives of the Republic of Somaliland has issued an urgent resolution ordering the immediate suspension of a controversial book launch event cantered on the “Xeer Ciise” customary tenets, citing it as the primary trigger of recent security disturbances in the Awdal and Selel regions.
In its first sitting of the 13th session held on Saturday, the parliament declared that “security is the foundation of everything” and that any activity undermining peace must be halted without delay.
Key points of the resolution include: –
- Immediate cancellation of the planned “Xeer Ciise” book launch ceremony, which lawmakers said directly contributed to the outbreak of unrest.
- A call for President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro to accelerate the national peace platform already established between the two affected brotherly communities so they can resolve their differences through dialogue.
- An outright ban on all demonstrations and acts of violence in the affected areas.
- A directive to the government to restore and maintain comprehensive security across Awdal and Selel regions.
- A requirement for the government to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to civilians and security personnel injured during the clashes.
- An appeal to Somaliland’s traditional elders and religious scholars to actively participate in efforts to restore calm and stability.
The resolution comes amid escalating tensions in parts of Awdal and Selel regions over the past week, where protests linked to the book’s presentation, rejected by a section of the regional communities turned violent, reportedly leaving civilians and security personel deaths and injuries.
Parliamentarians emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and strict adherence to the rule of law, urging all parties to prioritize the higher interests of the nation.