The traditional leaders of Awdal region announced today that they have fully handed over security to the police, after days of youth rioting in the city.
Speaking to the media after a meeting he and the clerics held with security agencies, Sultan Dhawal said they had agreed for the troops to take over security.
“We know that we said that all the troops should leave the city, without exception, including the police and the military. That order was taken, and that is how it happened… Today we are saying, ordering them to go to the stations and protect the city’s security, and there is no one to go to,” said Sultan Dhawal.
They said that it is in the interest of the people of Borama that the security forces are in control of the city, pointing out that the youth have committed crimes in the city, including extorting money from people.
“We say to the youth: you are working with the army; our interests are in it, our progress is in it, our security is in it,” said one of the worshippers.
The militants had earlier ordered the troops to leave the city after clashes broke out between the troops and the public who were angry about the planned Xeer Ise event in Saylac. Efforts are now underway to restore peace.
The militants have also ordered disgruntled military personnel to return to their camps and units. They have also called on the rebels in the city area to come together for talks.
Meanwhile, militants from the Ethiopian Somali Regional State, led by Garaad Kulmiye Garaad Mohamed Garaad Dool Garaad Wiilwaal, have arrived in Somaliland to work towards peace between the clans in Awdal region who are in conflict over Xeer Ise and the ownership of Saylac district.
