By HornCurrent News Desk | July 30, 2025
JIGJIGA – Massive public protests across the Somali Regional State have entered their fourth consecutive day, with demonstrators demanding justice and transparency following a controversial government decision to restructure zones, city councils, and woredas.
The decision, spearheaded by President Mustafe Omar’s administration, has triggered widespread unrest in nearly all zones of the Somali Region, with some protests even spilling over into neighboring areas in Oromia, including the Borana and Bale zones.
A Decision Made in Haste
Political observers and members of the Somali Prosperity Party who spoke to HornCurrent.com have criticized the restructuring as rushed, unstudied, and lacking proper public consultation. Mohamed Omar, a member of the party’s Central Committee, reportedly raised concerns in a recent session of the regional parliament, highlighting the flawed and non-inclusive nature of the process.
According to multiple analysts, the restructuring appears to be a deliberate move to ignite internal tensions, particularly in sensitive border areas such as Oromia and Afar. Many question the legitimacy of the process and criticize both the Central Prosperity Office and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration for failing to ensure fair political practices in the Somali Region.
Federal Delegation Arrives Amid Crisis
In response to the escalating unrest, a high-level federal delegation arrived in Jigjiga earlier this week to assess the situation and engage with regional stakeholders. Efforts by HornCurrent.com to reach the Somali Region Communication Bureau for comment have been unsuccessful, as calls and inquiries remain unanswered.
Internal Crisis Within the Regional Government
Meanwhile, internal sources confirm that President Mustafe Omar held a closed-door meeting today with members of the Somali Prosperity Party and his presidium team. The meeting reportedly focused on developing a strategy to defend the restructuring decision and manage any potential fallout.
Critics argue that the decision-making process was politically motivated and legally flawed, with steps taken to reshape zones and woredas in a way that favors specific clans. Observers warn that the move undermines legal and institutional frameworks and could further destabilize the region.
Public Calls for Immediate Action
Protesters and community leaders are now calling for the immediate withdrawal of the restructuring decision and demand that any future administrative changes be based on inclusive consultation, legal procedures, and national interest—not clan politics.
This developing situation continues to raise serious concerns about governance, legitimacy, and stability in the Somali Region.
Stay with HornCurrent.com for updates as the story unfolds.
