Professor of African and Middle Eastern History Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, USA March 3, 2014
Somalia is not a state functioning under the rule of law. It is not even a country, but a patchwork of districts, and regions caught up in different stages of lawlessness, anarchy and chaos. Each has different security needs, and each gropes for the restoration of normalcy and the return to civil law and order. The anarchic factionalism of clan rivalry not only creates conditions of havoc and panic and traumatizes individual Somalis, but also calls into questions whether or not Somalia still has a national identity.
For the past two decades or so, Somalis tried and in many reconciliation conferences to reclaim their sovereignty, but no avail. Indeed, the outcome of all efforts put Somalia back into the creation of clan regional authorities, back to square one.
An Issaq state in in the north, as Somaliland; a Majerteen state in the Northeast, as Puntland; a Habargedir state in parts of the Mudugh region called Galmudug; a Dhulbahante state, as Katumo; a Warsangeli state, as Makhir; a Gadabursi state, as Awdal; a cluster of Darood sub clans on the Juba valley, and the non-Habargedir Hawiye jockeying for having part of the cake in perhaps the central regions.
Today, March 3, 2014, we heard the Baidoa Initiative where, a reconciliation conference concluded the election of a president of Southwest region of Somalia with two vice Presidents.
This initiative is worthy of giving a serious consideration and support from the Somali Federal Government, the Somali people and the international community at large for the following reasons:
1.Unlike previous peace and reconciliation conferences, the Baidoa initiative is the least clan oriented initiative. In December 2012 the representatives of all 5 Somali groups known as the 4.5 gathered in Baidoa and elected 74 Council of Sultans, Malaks, and Garads to constitute the Supreme Traditional Council. Thus, Southwest Somalia is a multi-clan entity; indeed, it is a clan free entity. It is inhabited by diverse clans that share historical experience, economic integrity and cultural affinity.
2.The council drafted a constitution calling for the creation of regional authority over six regions called the Southwest State of Somalia. The draft constitution safeguards the right of the peoples of Southwest and confirms the unity of Somali nation under federal system.
3.The Supreme Traditional Council elected a president Midowe Nunow Mohamed from the Digil/Mirifle cluster, where they also elected two vice Presidents; one from the Darood and another from Dir clusters respectively.
4.Stability and sustainable peace is a pre-requisite to development. Sultans, Malks and Garads of Southwest Somalia kept violence at bay, and maintained law and order for over one year in Baidoa and the regions at large.
Business in Baidoa is booming. The Somali federal Government should showcase Baidoa initiative. The stability of Southwest Somalia will lead to the overall stability of not only Somalia but also to the stability of the Horn of Africa. Neighboring countries of Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti should support the initiative.
5.Security is the major concern of the international community. Baidoans proved they can safeguard and guarantee the security of their citizens. The donor community should commit itself more than ever and provide assistance to those who can deliver. The task of reconciliation and reconstruction is more than Baidoans can do alone.
6.Baidoans and communities of Southwest Somalia are peace loving communities. In mid 1950s, it was they who called for decentralization or federation. They were victimized by calling for a just and a noble cause. They were labeled as being traitors and anti-Somali unity.
Their leaders were killed, smeared, jailed or left the country by the Darood and Hawiye clans, who ironically today are advocating for federal system! In 1995, they created their autonomous administration on Southwest regions. The SNA militia led by Muhammad Farah Aideed (a Habargedir) invaded Baidoa and toppled the nascent administration.
This triggered the emergence of the Reewin Resistance Army RRA. In 2002, After the RRA liberated most of the Southwest regions; it called for the establishment of Southwestern State of Somalia. This administration lasted until January 2005, when the RRA joined the new Transitional Federal Government (TFG) that was established in Mbeghathi, Kenya, believing it could bring about peace.
7.Let us give peace a chance.
Lessons from the Past
Colonial Scramble of Somalia:
For the past one hundred and thirty years, Somalia suffered from colonial and clan partitions. At the aftermath of Berlin Conference of 1884/5, France took the Northeastern portion, former French Somaliland, today known as Djibouti, Britain took the Northwest and ceded portion of Southwest region known as trans-Juba into its Kenya Colony, and Italy consolidated its power by taking over what will become Somalia or Italian Somalia. In 1887 Harar province fell in the hands of Ethiopia. In 1926, Britain transferred trans-Juba region to Italy after settling the Dodecanese issue.
From 1926 to 1936 Italy divided its colonial territory in Somalia into seven regions: 1. Regione del Giuba with Headquarters in Kismayu. The region included districts of Afmadow, Bardera, Jilib, Gobwein-Jumbo. 2. Regione del Centro with Headquarters at Marka. This region included districts of Afgoi, Awdheegle, Baidoa, Barawe and Bur Hakaba.
3. Regione del Shabelle with Headquarters at Villaggio Duca degli Abruzzi Jowhar. It included districts of Mahadda, Balad, Bula Burtii, Itala and Meregh. 4. Regione del Confine with Headquarters at Huddur. It included districts of Beled Weyn, Dolow and Lugh. 5. Regione di Obbia with Headquarters at Obbia Hobyo.
It included districts of El Bur, Rocco Littoria Galkayo, and Harardera. 6. Regione del Nugal with Headquarters at Eil and districts of Beila and Callis. 7. Regione di Migiurtinia with Headquarters at Alula and districts of Bargal, Bandar Qassim, and Dante Hafun. Mogadiscio was kept as autonomous region and the Headquarters of the Colony.
From 1936-41, immediately after the fall of Addis Ababa, Italy proclaimed new colonial empire, known as Africa Orientale Italiana (Italian East Africa) covering Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea. This empire was subdivided into six Governi: 1. Amhara, 2. Galla Sidamo, 3. Harar, 4. Shoa, 5. Eritrea and 6. Governo della Somalia.
Governo della Somalia was subdivided into eight regions: 1. Alto Giuba with Headquarters in Iscia Baidoa, including districts of Huddur, Lugh, Dolo, Bardera, Bur Hakaba, Dinsor. This region is mostly inhabited by Mirifle with some Marehan beyond the Juba valley in Lugh area.
2. Basso Giuba with Headquarters at Kismayu, including districts of Afmadow, Jilib and Goobwein. This region is inhabited by Digil and Reer Goleed with some Ogaden and Sheqaal.
3. Alto Shiabelle with Headquarters in Bulo Burti, including districts of Villa Abruzzi, Itala, Mereg, and Belet Weyn. This region is populated by Digil, Shiidle, Abgal, Badi adde, Galjel, and Gugundhabe.
4. Basso Shabelle with Headquarters in Marka, including districts of Barawe, Afgoi, and Awdhegle. This region is mainly inhabited by Digil, some Dir and wa’daan.
5. Mudugh with Headquarters in Galka’yo, including districts of Obbia, Gelinsor, and El Bur. This region is mainly inhabited by Hawiye and Darood.
6. Migiurtinia with Headquarters at Alula, including districts of Bandar Qassim, Hafun, and Bargal. This region is exclusively inhabited by Majertein.
7. Webi Gestro with Headquarters at El Karre, including Districts of: Qallafo, Negeile, and Filtu. This region is inhabited by Digil and Dir. 8. Ogaden with Headquarters at Qabridaharre, including districts of Jijjiga, and Dhagahbur.
The region is inhabited by Darood, Issaq, Digil, Mirifle and Dir. Mogadiscio remained the Headquarters of Governo della Somalia. The city is inhabited by all Somali clans.
From 1941-1950, this period is known as the period of British Military Administration (BMA). Somalia was divided only into four 4 provinces or regions, including all inhabited territories of Somalia in the Horn of Africa with the exception of Djibouti.
1. North East Province NEP, it includes Districts of: Erigavo, Alula, Bandar Qassim, Qardo, Las Anood, Galkayo and El Bur.
2.North West Province NWP includes Districts of: Burao, Berbera, Borama, Hargeisa, Jigjiga, Dhagahbur, Qabredarre.
3.South East Province SEP includes Districts of: Belet Wein, Villabruzzi, Huddur, Iscia baidoa, and Marka.
4.South West Province SWP includes Districts of Garissa, Wajeer, Qallafo, El Karre, Dolo, Lugh, Bardera, and Kismayu.
Mogadishu, became the capital of the Greater Somalia.
From 1950-1960, this period is known as the Trusteeship period, Amministrazione Fiduciaria Italiano della Somalia AFIS, where Italy returned to its former Italian Somalia with the exception of Ogaden and Webi Gestro regions.
Britain also retained its former British protectorate in the north excluding Haud and Reserved area, and the Northern frontier District with Kenya. Djibouti remained with France. During this period Italy draw new regional boundaries and its administration falls into six regions:
1.Alto Giuba, as in the 1936-1941 lines.
2.Basso Giuba, also as in the lines of 1936-1941 lines.
3.Benadir a new name for former Basso Shiabelle.
4.Hiran a new name for Alto Shiabelle.
5.Mudugh, remained as 1936-1941 lines.
6.Migiurtinia, remained as 1936-1941 lines.
Mogadiscio, remained the capital of the AFIS Administration.
From 1960-1974, the independence in July 1960 brought about the unification of Somalia under Italian trusteeship administration and British Protectorate of Somaliland. Thus, the new Republic became eight 8 regions: the six regions of Somalia and the two of the protectorate. Mogadishu became the capital of the Republic.
Clan Partition of Somali Republic
From 1974-1991, the eight regions were subdivided into eighteen 18 regions which are: 1. Awdal (Gadabursi), 2. Waqooyi Galbeed (Issaq), 3. Togdheer (Issaq), 4. Hiran (Hawiye), 5. Middle Shabelle (Hawiye), 6. Lower Shabelle (Hawiye), 7. Banadir (Hawiye), 8. Sanag (Darood), 9. Bari (Darood), 10. Sool (Darood), 11. Nugaal (Darood), 12. Mudug (Darood), 13. Galgaduud (Darood), 14. Bakool (Darood), 15. Gedo (Darood), 16. Middle Juba (Darood), 17. Lower Juba (Darood), 18. Bay (Digil and Mirifle). Mogadishu remained the capital of the Republic.
From 1991-Present, the former Somali republic has lost its national identity. The former British Protectorate of Somaliland declared independent from the republic in May 1991 (for Issaq, Dir). The former Bari, and parts of Mudug became Puntland State in 1998 (for Majerteen, Darood). Followed by Galmudug State in August 2006 (for Habargedir, Hawiye). Juba region was formulated in September 2013 (for Darood). Khatumo State in 2012 (for Dhulbahante, Darood). Maakhir State in 2007 (for Warsangeli, Darood). Southwest Somalia in 2014 (for diverse clans).
In the meantime, the Digil and Mirifle, the Banadiris, Jareers and non-Habargedir Hawiye are jockeying to partition Shabelle and left overs of Southwest regions to establish their own clan regional States.
Colonial boundaries were partly for strategic and military purposes to protect the colonial interest and after all, for the economic exploitation of the natural resources of territory. Indeed, it did not care of natural boundaries but to create conflicts between clans.
Similarly, the military regime of Siad Barre scrambled Somalia regions to safeguard the interests of his clan the Darood, particularly the Marehan, the Ogaden and Dhulbahante. He thus carved special regions for them and followed the policy of divide and rule between other clans. Ten of the eighteen regions created in 1974 were exclusively for Daroods. The Hawiye with four; the Issaqs with two; the Dir with one; the Digil/Mirifle were left with one, and the rest of Somalis with none.
Today, Somalia needs to revisit its national and regional boundaries. Boundaries between Ethiopia and Somalia remained internationally provisional. The 1959 UN Commission of Arbitration led by Trygve Lie over the disputed boundary between Ethiopia and Somalia must be reinvigorated. With peace and stability Somalia and Ethiopia could sort out problems of their international boundaries.
Like the Baidoa initiative, Somalia needs clan free constituencies. I am hopeful that the current generation of Somalis can take advantage of this historical challenge and opportunity to support the Baidoa initiative to free Somalia from continuous fear, war and poverty it has endured for over two decades.
This initiative reminds me of that shot that was fired in Concord in April 1775, where the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson described as would “be heard around the world.” It signaled the start of the American Revolution. And that revolution helped inspire other revolutions in the world.
Professor of African and Middle Eastern History
Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, USA
Professor of African and Middle Eastern History Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, USA March 3, 2014
Somalia is not a state functioning under the rule of law. It is not even a country, but a patchwork of districts, and regions caught up in different stages of lawlessness, anarchy and chaos. Each has different security needs, and each gropes for the restoration of normalcy and the return to civil law and order. The anarchic factionalism of clan rivalry not only creates conditions of havoc and panic and traumatizes individual Somalis, but also calls into questions whether or not Somalia still has a national identity.
For the past two decades or so, Somalis tried and in many reconciliation conferences to reclaim their sovereignty, but no avail. Indeed, the outcome of all efforts put Somalia back into the creation of clan regional authorities, back to square one.
An Issaq state in in the north, as Somaliland; a Majerteen state in the Northeast, as Puntland; a Habargedir state in parts of the Mudugh region called Galmudug; a Dhulbahante state, as Katumo; a Warsangeli state, as Makhir; a Gadabursi state, as Awdal; a cluster of Darood sub clans on the Juba valley, and the non-Habargedir Hawiye jockeying for having part of the cake in perhaps the central regions.
Today, March 3, 2014, we heard the Baidoa Initiative where, a reconciliation conference concluded the election of a president of Southwest region of Somalia with two vice Presidents.
This initiative is worthy of giving a serious consideration and support from the Somali Federal Government, the Somali people and the international community at large for the following reasons:
1.Unlike previous peace and reconciliation conferences, the Baidoa initiative is the least clan oriented initiative. In December 2012 the representatives of all 5 Somali groups known as the 4.5 gathered in Baidoa and elected 74 Council of Sultans, Malaks, and Garads to constitute the Supreme Traditional Council. Thus, Southwest Somalia is a multi-clan entity; indeed, it is a clan free entity. It is inhabited by diverse clans that share historical experience, economic integrity and cultural affinity.
2.The council drafted a constitution calling for the creation of regional authority over six regions called the Southwest State of Somalia. The draft constitution safeguards the right of the peoples of Southwest and confirms the unity of Somali nation under federal system.
3.The Supreme Traditional Council elected a president Midowe Nunow Mohamed from the Digil/Mirifle cluster, where they also elected two vice Presidents; one from the Darood and another from Dir clusters respectively.
4.Stability and sustainable peace is a pre-requisite to development. Sultans, Malks and Garads of Southwest Somalia kept violence at bay, and maintained law and order for over one year in Baidoa and the regions at large.
Business in Baidoa is booming. The Somali federal Government should showcase Baidoa initiative. The stability of Southwest Somalia will lead to the overall stability of not only Somalia but also to the stability of the Horn of Africa. Neighboring countries of Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti should support the initiative.
5.Security is the major concern of the international community. Baidoans proved they can safeguard and guarantee the security of their citizens. The donor community should commit itself more than ever and provide assistance to those who can deliver. The task of reconciliation and reconstruction is more than Baidoans can do alone.
6.Baidoans and communities of Southwest Somalia are peace loving communities. In mid 1950s, it was they who called for decentralization or federation. They were victimized by calling for a just and a noble cause. They were labeled as being traitors and anti-Somali unity.
Their leaders were killed, smeared, jailed or left the country by the Darood and Hawiye clans, who ironically today are advocating for federal system! In 1995, they created their autonomous administration on Southwest regions. The SNA militia led by Muhammad Farah Aideed (a Habargedir) invaded Baidoa and toppled the nascent administration.
This triggered the emergence of the Reewin Resistance Army RRA. In 2002, After the RRA liberated most of the Southwest regions; it called for the establishment of Southwestern State of Somalia. This administration lasted until January 2005, when the RRA joined the new Transitional Federal Government (TFG) that was established in Mbeghathi, Kenya, believing it could bring about peace.
7.Let us give peace a chance.
Lessons from the Past
Colonial Scramble of Somalia:
For the past one hundred and thirty years, Somalia suffered from colonial and clan partitions. At the aftermath of Berlin Conference of 1884/5, France took the Northeastern portion, former French Somaliland, today known as Djibouti, Britain took the Northwest and ceded portion of Southwest region known as trans-Juba into its Kenya Colony, and Italy consolidated its power by taking over what will become Somalia or Italian Somalia. In 1887 Harar province fell in the hands of Ethiopia. In 1926, Britain transferred trans-Juba region to Italy after settling the Dodecanese issue.
From 1926 to 1936 Italy divided its colonial territory in Somalia into seven regions: 1. Regione del Giuba with Headquarters in Kismayu. The region included districts of Afmadow, Bardera, Jilib, Gobwein-Jumbo. 2. Regione del Centro with Headquarters at Marka. This region included districts of Afgoi, Awdheegle, Baidoa, Barawe and Bur Hakaba.
3. Regione del Shabelle with Headquarters at Villaggio Duca degli Abruzzi Jowhar. It included districts of Mahadda, Balad, Bula Burtii, Itala and Meregh. 4. Regione del Confine with Headquarters at Huddur. It included districts of Beled Weyn, Dolow and Lugh. 5. Regione di Obbia with Headquarters at Obbia Hobyo.
It included districts of El Bur, Rocco Littoria Galkayo, and Harardera. 6. Regione del Nugal with Headquarters at Eil and districts of Beila and Callis. 7. Regione di Migiurtinia with Headquarters at Alula and districts of Bargal, Bandar Qassim, and Dante Hafun. Mogadiscio was kept as autonomous region and the Headquarters of the Colony.
From 1936-41, immediately after the fall of Addis Ababa, Italy proclaimed new colonial empire, known as Africa Orientale Italiana (Italian East Africa) covering Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea. This empire was subdivided into six Governi: 1. Amhara, 2. Galla Sidamo, 3. Harar, 4. Shoa, 5. Eritrea and 6. Governo della Somalia.
Governo della Somalia was subdivided into eight regions: 1. Alto Giuba with Headquarters in Iscia Baidoa, including districts of Huddur, Lugh, Dolo, Bardera, Bur Hakaba, Dinsor. This region is mostly inhabited by Mirifle with some Marehan beyond the Juba valley in Lugh area.
2. Basso Giuba with Headquarters at Kismayu, including districts of Afmadow, Jilib and Goobwein. This region is inhabited by Digil and Reer Goleed with some Ogaden and Sheqaal.
3. Alto Shiabelle with Headquarters in Bulo Burti, including districts of Villa Abruzzi, Itala, Mereg, and Belet Weyn. This region is populated by Digil, Shiidle, Abgal, Badi adde, Galjel, and Gugundhabe.
4. Basso Shabelle with Headquarters in Marka, including districts of Barawe, Afgoi, and Awdhegle. This region is mainly inhabited by Digil, some Dir and wa’daan.
5. Mudugh with Headquarters in Galka’yo, including districts of Obbia, Gelinsor, and El Bur. This region is mainly inhabited by Hawiye and Darood.
6. Migiurtinia with Headquarters at Alula, including districts of Bandar Qassim, Hafun, and Bargal. This region is exclusively inhabited by Majertein.
7. Webi Gestro with Headquarters at El Karre, including Districts of: Qallafo, Negeile, and Filtu. This region is inhabited by Digil and Dir. 8. Ogaden with Headquarters at Qabridaharre, including districts of Jijjiga, and Dhagahbur.
The region is inhabited by Darood, Issaq, Digil, Mirifle and Dir. Mogadiscio remained the Headquarters of Governo della Somalia. The city is inhabited by all Somali clans.
From 1941-1950, this period is known as the period of British Military Administration (BMA). Somalia was divided only into four 4 provinces or regions, including all inhabited territories of Somalia in the Horn of Africa with the exception of Djibouti.
1. North East Province NEP, it includes Districts of: Erigavo, Alula, Bandar Qassim, Qardo, Las Anood, Galkayo and El Bur.
2.North West Province NWP includes Districts of: Burao, Berbera, Borama, Hargeisa, Jigjiga, Dhagahbur, Qabredarre.
3.South East Province SEP includes Districts of: Belet Wein, Villabruzzi, Huddur, Iscia baidoa, and Marka.
4.South West Province SWP includes Districts of Garissa, Wajeer, Qallafo, El Karre, Dolo, Lugh, Bardera, and Kismayu.
Mogadishu, became the capital of the Greater Somalia.
From 1950-1960, this period is known as the Trusteeship period, Amministrazione Fiduciaria Italiano della Somalia AFIS, where Italy returned to its former Italian Somalia with the exception of Ogaden and Webi Gestro regions.
Britain also retained its former British protectorate in the north excluding Haud and Reserved area, and the Northern frontier District with Kenya. Djibouti remained with France. During this period Italy draw new regional boundaries and its administration falls into six regions:
1.Alto Giuba, as in the 1936-1941 lines.
2.Basso Giuba, also as in the lines of 1936-1941 lines.
3.Benadir a new name for former Basso Shiabelle.
4.Hiran a new name for Alto Shiabelle.
5.Mudugh, remained as 1936-1941 lines.
6.Migiurtinia, remained as 1936-1941 lines.
Mogadiscio, remained the capital of the AFIS Administration.
From 1960-1974, the independence in July 1960 brought about the unification of Somalia under Italian trusteeship administration and British Protectorate of Somaliland. Thus, the new Republic became eight 8 regions: the six regions of Somalia and the two of the protectorate. Mogadishu became the capital of the Republic.
Clan Partition of Somali Republic
From 1974-1991, the eight regions were subdivided into eighteen 18 regions which are: 1. Awdal (Gadabursi), 2. Waqooyi Galbeed (Issaq), 3. Togdheer (Issaq), 4. Hiran (Hawiye), 5. Middle Shabelle (Hawiye), 6. Lower Shabelle (Hawiye), 7. Banadir (Hawiye), 8. Sanag (Darood), 9. Bari (Darood), 10. Sool (Darood), 11. Nugaal (Darood), 12. Mudug (Darood), 13. Galgaduud (Darood), 14. Bakool (Darood), 15. Gedo (Darood), 16. Middle Juba (Darood), 17. Lower Juba (Darood), 18. Bay (Digil and Mirifle). Mogadishu remained the capital of the Republic.
From 1991-Present, the former Somali republic has lost its national identity. The former British Protectorate of Somaliland declared independent from the republic in May 1991 (for Issaq, Dir). The former Bari, and parts of Mudug became Puntland State in 1998 (for Majerteen, Darood). Followed by Galmudug State in August 2006 (for Habargedir, Hawiye). Juba region was formulated in September 2013 (for Darood). Khatumo State in 2012 (for Dhulbahante, Darood). Maakhir State in 2007 (for Warsangeli, Darood). Southwest Somalia in 2014 (for diverse clans).
In the meantime, the Digil and Mirifle, the Banadiris, Jareers and non-Habargedir Hawiye are jockeying to partition Shabelle and left overs of Southwest regions to establish their own clan regional States.
Colonial boundaries were partly for strategic and military purposes to protect the colonial interest and after all, for the economic exploitation of the natural resources of territory. Indeed, it did not care of natural boundaries but to create conflicts between clans.
Similarly, the military regime of Siad Barre scrambled Somalia regions to safeguard the interests of his clan the Darood, particularly the Marehan, the Ogaden and Dhulbahante. He thus carved special regions for them and followed the policy of divide and rule between other clans. Ten of the eighteen regions created in 1974 were exclusively for Daroods. The Hawiye with four; the Issaqs with two; the Dir with one; the Digil/Mirifle were left with one, and the rest of Somalis with none.
Today, Somalia needs to revisit its national and regional boundaries. Boundaries between Ethiopia and Somalia remained internationally provisional. The 1959 UN Commission of Arbitration led by Trygve Lie over the disputed boundary between Ethiopia and Somalia must be reinvigorated. With peace and stability Somalia and Ethiopia could sort out problems of their international boundaries.
Like the Baidoa initiative, Somalia needs clan free constituencies. I am hopeful that the current generation of Somalis can take advantage of this historical challenge and opportunity to support the Baidoa initiative to free Somalia from continuous fear, war and poverty it has endured for over two decades.
This initiative reminds me of that shot that was fired in Concord in April 1775, where the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson described as would “be heard around the world.” It signaled the start of the American Revolution. And that revolution helped inspire other revolutions in the world.
Professor of African and Middle Eastern History
Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, USA
March 3, 2014