By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia, 5 December 2025 - Somaliland Police have issued a stern warning that those who took part in last night's violent protests in Borama City, Awdal region, will be arrested and “dealt with firmly".
The warning was issued by Police Commissioner, Major General Abdirahman Abdullahi Hassan, who also confirmed that the Central Bank of Borama was one of the properties looted and set on fire yesterday night.
The Commissioner stated that the police would not tolerate protests that lead to violence and that they would respond firmly to ensure security.
"People are free to protest, but damaging property is unacceptable. The security forces will not tolerate this; strong action will be taken, and no one will be spared.
“There are people looting public property and setting them on fire, we will not allow it," said Major General Hassan.
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He added that criminals had infiltrated the protesters and were causing harm to the security forces and destroying public property, adding that they will be dealt with firmly.
The police is yet to provide information on casualties and the extent of the property damage.
The protests broke after community members expressed their opposition to a planned cultural heritage event recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The Minister of Information of Somaliland, Ahmed Yassin Sheikh Ali, had stated yesterday evening that the event, which celebrates traditional laws, will be held in the city of Saylac in the Awdal region.
