Dire Dawa (January 2025): Thousands led by the President of the Somali Regional State, Mustafe Muhummed Omar gathered in Diri Dawa for a historic event celebrating the formal recognition of the Somali law of the Ciise tribe, a significant moment for the Somali community and the broader Horn of Africa region. The recognition ceremony, held at the city’s main football stadium, commemorated the role of Xeer Ciise in promoting equality, justice, and unity within the tribe.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures from Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, and the broader Somali diaspora. Among the distinguished guests were the Deputy President of Ethiopia, Adan Farah Ibrahim, President of the Prosperity Party, Mr. Adan Farah Ibrahim.
Other leaders from various parts of the Somali community, including government officials from Djibouti and Somalia, also participated in the momentous event.
At the heart of the ceremony was the Xeer Ciise, a traditional Somali law system that has served as the foundation for governance and social justice within the Ciise clan for centuries. The recognition of this legal framework highlights its enduring importance in maintaining unity and ensuring equitable distribution of rights and responsibilities among the tribe’s members.
Mr. Adan Farah Ibrahim, the Deputy President of Ethiopia, delivered a powerful message during his speech, committing the government to ensuring the cultural significance of the Xeer Ciise is preserved. “I promise that the government of Ethiopia and the Prosperity Party will work tirelessly to have this rich cultural heritage added to UNESCO’s cultural records,” he said, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the legal and social traditions of the Somali people on a global scale.
In his remarks, President Mustafe Muhummed Cumar of DDS extended congratulations to the Somali community, particularly the Ciise clan, for their warm reception and recognition of the Xeer Ciise. “Today, we celebrate not just a law, but a cornerstone of our cultural identity. This is a victory for justice, for equality, and for the unity that binds us all,” Cumar stated.
The event also provided an opportunity for cultural exchanges, with performances, traditional dances, and speeches that highlighted the deep history and traditions of the Ciise tribe. The recognition of the Xeer Ciise law is seen as a step toward greater cultural preservation and a symbol of pride for the Somali people in the Horn of Africa.
As the celebration continues to resonate throughout the Somali community, many hope that this historic moment will inspire similar efforts to recognize and protect indigenous legal systems and cultural practices across the region. The recognition of Xeer Ciise is not only a milestone for the Ciise tribe but also for the broader Somali and African communities, showcasing the rich cultural heritage that continues to shape the present and future of the Horn of Africa.
According to UNESCO, Xeer Ciise is transmitted informally, including through tales, proverbs, games, poetry and initiation rites. It is also transmitted through formal educational curricula, panel discussions, symposiums and print and electronic media. For the Somali-Issa, the practice unites communities in the Horn of Africa and defines their collective and individual identity, their mutual solidarity and their social cohesion. The system promotes conflict resolution, peace, cooperation, and moral conduct, while enhancing social equity and good governan