Thursday October 2, 2025
Hargeisa (HOL) — Tensions flared Thursday in the historic coastal town of Zeila after rival community groups clashed over a planned ceremony celebrating
Xeer Ciise, the Issa clan’s traditional legal code recently
recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage.
Police were deployed after hours of unrest erupted when one of the town’s dominant clans rejected holding the event locally. Elders from the group argued that Zeila belongs to them and warned that no activities should take place there without their consent.
“This unlawful code will not be brought to Zeila. The rightful owners are here, and no one can impose anything without consulting us. Our people are Somalilanders and our enemies are the enemies of Somaliland,” said elders opposing the celebration.
Organizers defended the ceremony as a cultural event intended to honor a centuries-old Issa legal framework widely credited for maintaining peace among clans in the Horn of Africa. However, opponents accused them of promoting an agenda hostile to Somaliland and claimed the initiative was coordinated from Mogadishu.
Dissenting elders blamed Somaliland’s Vice President Mohamed Ali Abdi for escalating the situation, alleging he facilitated the arrival of youths from Borama under the pretext of tourism. They said the group’s presence deepened tensions and provoked confrontations.
“If violence breaks out, the Vice President will bear responsibility,” one elder said. “This was directed by him. We prevented it today, but any wise person can see where this is headed.”
Other residents claimed that youths from Ethiopia and Djibouti were brought into Zeila and attacked local elders who had gathered peacefully.
By dusk, Somaliland police moved in to break up the rival groups. Authorities confirmed the situation had stabilized by evening, though local leaders warned that tensions remain high and urged the government to clarify its position on the disputed ceremony.