More than 150 homes belonging to Ethiopian residents in Borama, Somaliland, have been damaged or looted in a series of attacks targeting the city's ethnic Oromo community. The violence erupted on Sunday, November 1, 2026, and involved groups of youths who vandalised, looted, and set fire to homes occupied by Oromo residents. The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of Oromo families in the city and the risk of retaliatory violence linked to events outside Somaliland.
The violence followed rising tensions over clashes between Somali and Oromo communities around Moyale, where longstanding territorial and administrative disputes have triggered fighting and displaced residents. According to a BBC Somali report published on October 30, Oromo residents in Borama said the attacks had caused significant damage to their homes and properties. Some affected residents sought refuge at Borama airport and other locations they considered safe.
Awdal regional governor Boqor Hassan Dahir Haddi condemned the attacks, saying they contradicted the values of a community known for peaceful relations and welcoming people from neighbouring areas. He said security forces had arrested some youths suspected of participating in the violence and were pursuing others. The governor pledged that those responsible would face legal action and called on residents to cooperate with security forces to prevent further attacks.
Somaliland Information Minister Barkhad Jama Batun also condemned the violence and said authorities would investigate those responsible. He stressed that civilians had no right to take the law into their own hands and warned that such actions undermined Somaliland's democratic reputation and the governance system it seeks to uphold. The minister's comments reflect the government's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Borama Mayor Mohamud Sheikh Ibrahim apologised for the attacks, saying the violence did not represent the values of the city's residents. He also warned young people against responding to inflammatory social media posts and videos that could fuel hostility between communities. The mayor's statement highlights the need for calm and restraint in the face of rising tensions.
The attacks have drawn criticism from community elders, lawmakers, and prominent figures in Awdal, who have urged residents to protect Oromo families and avoid holding civilians responsible for fighting elsewhere in Ethiopia. Abdillahi Hashi Abdi, a member of Somaliland's House of Elders, said there was no justification for burning homes, looting property, or intimidating civilians. He called on the authorities to guarantee the safety of affected residents and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The unrest comes amid continuing clashes between Somali and Oromo communities around Moyale, where disputes over territory and administrative control have displaced residents and heightened concerns about instability in areas near the border. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about the potential for further violence and displacement.
Key points
- Over 150 homes damaged or looted in Borama
- Somaliland authorities condemn the violence
- Community leaders urge calm and restraint
