Tension in Borama persists after deadly unrest amid calls for accountability

Young protesters demonstrate under the “Blue Revolution,” in Borama, Somaliland. [Courtesy]  

Tension remained high in Borama on Sunday after days of deadly unrest that have widened political fault lines in Somaliland and intensified public demands for accountability over the killing of civilians during clashes with security forces.

The crisis has also taken on a sharper political tone, with activists and local leaders warning that Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, could ultimately face legal scrutiny for possible violations of international humanitarian law, as pressure mounts for independent investigations into the conduct of state security forces.