Hargeisa – Peace in the Awdal and Selel regions is a precious asset that belongs to all of us, and protecting it is a shared responsibility. Where there is peace, communities can live together, develop, prosper, and build a better future for the next generation. The people of Awdal and Selel have lived together for generations. They are connected through family ties, marriage, neighbourhoods, culture, and shared livelihoods. These deep bonds of kinship and coexistence are far stronger than anything that may divide them. I therefore call upon the people of both regions to safeguard peace and to avoid any words or actions that could create tension, hostility, or division. Any disagreement should be resolved through dialogue, patience, mutual respect, and compromise. I also call upon traditional leaders, elders, religious scholars, intellectuals, women, and young people to take a leading role in promoting peace, calming tensions, and strengthening unity among the communities.
In particular, I appeal to the traditional leadership on all sides to work closely with the government and security institutions in preventing violence and ensuring that any grievances are addressed peacefully, lawfully, and through dialogue.
Peace in Awdal and Selel does not belong to one community, one group, or one side. It is a shared responsibility that rests upon all of us.
Let us protect the brotherhood, unity, and peaceful coexistence that our communities have built over generations. Let us leave to future generations a society defined not by conflict, but by peace, respect, and mutual understanding.
Brothers and sisters, let us protect peace. Peace is life, development, stability, and the foundation of our shared future.
Mohamed Farah Tahar
Scholar in Administration and Planning | Traditional Elder (Caaqil) among the Traditional Elders of Somaliland
