On 11 August 2022, 5 people were killed and more than 100 injured in widespread protests in the cities of Hargeisa, Burao, and Erigavo after negotiations between the Somaliland government and opposition parties broke down, with the latter accusing Somaliland president Muse Bihi Abdi and his officials of purposely finding ways to delay the upcoming 13 November election.
According to the nation's Deputy Police Commander Abdi Hassan Mire, the protesters were armed with "knives, catapults, clubs," and guns, as well as carried placards which said "Hold the election on 13th November 2022" and chanted anti-government slogans.
[3][4] A statement condemning the "excessive use of force" used by authorities to extinguish the anti-government protests was signed by the EU, UK, and the US, which also called for "all sides in Somaliland to engage in constructive dialogue in order to reach consensus on a roadmap for elections".
He added the reason for the break in protests on 12 and 13 August was "to visit the wounded, find out about the arrested, and attend the funeral of the buried".
[9] On 18 August The Somaliland Strategic Advisory Group (SL-SAG) announced their concern for the current political situation in the nation, followed by releasing three recommendations aimed toward the nation's political parties, stakeholders, and citizens to work together to "protect peace and stability".