A protest against the May 18 celebrations took place today in Borama, the capital of Awdal region, after some youths burned tires in parts of the city.
Reports from Borama indicate that police fired shots to disperse the youths who were protesting, but no casualties were reported.
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Aden Bakaal, said that the protest had been sparked by a football dispute between youths, but that it later developed into a security situation that needed to be calmed down.
“It is possible that the youths who were arguing over football today were joined by someone else, thank you for protecting them. I highly commend you, the youth of Awdal region, for protecting your country and your city,” the minister said.
Borama is one of the hot spots for debates surrounding the May 18 commemoration, with young people recently angered by a statement made by poet Daaha Gaas who said that the town of Saylac belongs to the Jesus community. The youth then refused to allow the Dayaxa Band he leads to hold a concert in the town.
At least 19 people were also killed in protests in Borama late last year, which were linked to a dispute over who owns the town of Saylac.
