BORAMA (SD) — Somaliland’s government has condemned attacks against Ethiopian residents, particularly members of the Oromo community, in the city of Borama, and promised legal action against those responsible.

The attacks reportedly followed anger over the ongoing conflict between Somali and Oromo communities in the Moyale area. Houses occupied by Oromo residents in Borama were reportedly set on fire by people protesting the violence across the border.

Speaking to state media, Somaliland’s Information Minister, Barkhad Jama Batun, described the attacks as unacceptable and said they threatened the safety, peace and good relations between communities living in Somaliland.

Batun said attacking foreigners and damaging their property was a violation of human rights. He stressed that the government, not individuals or groups, was responsible for protecting residents, including foreign nationals, and ensuring their safety and dignity.

The minister said no one had the right to attack foreigners, take their property or violate their rights. He also described the incident as an attempt to damage Somaliland’s reputation as a peaceful and stable place in the Horn of Africa.

Batun said security agencies would investigate the attacks and take legal action against those responsible. He added that the government would not tolerate violence against foreigners living in Somaliland.

The attacks in Borama show how violence and tensions in neighbouring areas can affect communities living inside Somaliland. Anger over the conflict in Moyale appears to have spilled into Borama, putting Ethiopian residents, particularly Oromos, at risk.

The government’s response is important because the safety of foreign residents affects Somaliland’s reputation for peace and stability. Foreign workers, traders and other residents need to know that their lives, homes and property are protected regardless of their ethnic background or nationality.

The incident also highlights the danger of blaming entire communities for conflicts involving particular groups or individuals. Attacking Oromo residents because of events in Moyale could deepen divisions and create further tensions between communities.

The next important step is for the authorities to investigate the attacks, protect those affected and bring anyone responsible to justice. The government will also need to ensure that affected families receive protection and that similar incidents do not happen again.

The wider challenge for Somaliland is to prevent conflicts from neighboring areas from turning into violence against innocent people at home.