HARGEISA (SD) The United States and the head of British House in Hargeisa have raised the alarm over today’s prodemocracy protests in which scores of people have died in Somaliland,

The country wide protest is the result from an impasse over the presidential election between the opposition and the government.

Demonstrations that resulted in unknown number of civilian deaths and injuries took place today in Somaliland, where the army opened fire on pro-opposition demonstrators.

“We strongly urge the ruling and opposition leaders in #Somaliland to avoid violence during the demonstrations and return quickly to political dialogue. Failure to reach agreement on elections threatens Somaliland’s achievements in democratic governance.” Tweeted the US Embassy in Somalia.

The head of British House in Hargeisa, Liz Walker, also expressed similar concerns over the lack of meaningful dialogue over the Presidential elections which resulted in today’s massive and deadly protests.

“Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. We call upon all sides to behave peacefully and follow the rule of law.” Lizzie Walker, Head of the British Office in Hargeisa.

Adding “We re-emphasize the importance of Somaliland’s leaders engaging in constructive dialogue to reach consensus on a roadmap for elections to protect Somaliland’s peace, stability and democracy”.

Sources in Hargeisa indicated to somalidispatch.com that the security forces today killed scores of people while wounding others in their efforts to quell the protests.

The government and the leader of the opposition have not yet released an official statement about the actual damage caused by today’s protests.