The recent involvement of
UNESCO / UN in recognizing the Xeer Ciise (Isse clan tradition) has triggered deadly tensions in #Somalia/#Somaliland. In #Borama and #Zaila/#Saylac cities, more than 12 civilians were killed, and 100 were injured, a tragedy rooted in how this cultural recognition was politicized.
The #Djibouti government, alongside political actors in the region, has promoted the Xeer Ciise as a #Djibouti tool for clan influence and territorial dominance.
UNESCO listing, an Isse-authored book — rooted in official documents and clan narratives circulated by Isse elders and the Djibouti government — presented disputed historical claims and suggested dominance over #Zaila (SAYLAC) an ancient town historically associated with the Gadabursi community. This move was widely seen as an existential and territorial threat, leading to rejection by Gadabursi residents.
It is important to note that the Isse and Gadabursi clans have lived peacefully side-by-side for centuries across Ethiopia, Somaliland/Somalia, and Djibouti. The current conflict is not cultural—it is political, driven by the way
UNESCO recognition has been weaponized for land claims and clan expansion.
If UNESCO continues to validate cultural traditions attached to specific disputed lands—as reportedly submitted by #Djibouti—it risks fueling long-term instability. A neutral international organization must not become a tool for clan politics.
UNESCO must take responsibility for the consequences of interventions that disrupt historically peaceful regions.
The growing alignment between the Djibouti regime and the Somaliland administration—both dominated by the #Isse and #Isaaq clans —raises serious concerns about political motives and the marginalization of others. The recent killing of #Gadabursi youth by Isaaq-aligned militia has further escalated tensions.
For now, the immediate trigger of the crisis is the #Somaliland administration’s mishandling of the situation and the politicization of a cultural process that should have remained neutral.
We urge
UNESCO and other international bodies to urgently review the sources and data behind this recognition, including the historical role of the #Gadabursi community and the territorial claims pushed by the #Djibouti government for clan-driven ambitions. Cultural listings must be accurate, inclusive, and never used to justify conflict, dominance, or displacement.
Abdullahi H.Daud Warsame.
A.Warsame, Somali Senior Diplomat, former Head of Mission Embassy in Russia, & Deputy Head of Mission
-Pakistan. FRM External Coordinator National ID
Program
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency UN Human Rights @antonioguterres @hrw International Crisis Group @EUinSomalia.
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