Terror Free Somalia investigates the impact of the establishment of mini-states on the country’s fragile stability.
In many ways, Somalia appears to be slowly recovering from two
decades of civil war. One long-standing obstacle to the recovery process
has been all but eliminated with the dramatic decline in the popularity
of the al-Shabaab terrorist organization. As Somalia makes territorial
gains against al-Shabaab and plans for national elections in August,
many predict that Somalia is close to returning as a viable state. But
for Ahmed Sheikh Ali, a lawyer and a former president of Somalia’s Court
of Appeal, the country is far from standing on its own two feet. He is
skeptical about the increasing semi-state phenomenon, describing it as
"a war in waiting."
Mr. Ali, a veteran judge, is extremely frustrated by the increasing
development of the system of mini-states in Somalia, which was
introduced in the 2004 National Charter of the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG). Based on his extensive experience with the Somali cultural and
judiciary systems, Sheikh Ali said the union of mini-states cannot bring
Somalia peace, offering his opinion that “the mini-state style of
government will reignite hidden clan conflagrations.”
His observations on this matter have indeed become increasingly
clear. At least thirty semi-regional states have been announced in
Somalia since 2006. They all have self-nominated presidents mand many go
so far as appointing foreign, interior and defense ministers. They are
also increasingly creating their own identities, to include flags, state
anthems and websites. Former Prime Minister of Somalia Ali Khalif
Galaydh said such culture was recently in practice when Somalia
President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed visited Puntland. According to Mr.
Galaydh, “There are often different national anthems, flags, protocols
and in some ways, for outside observers, it appears these are two
governments, two states that are meeting." The most negative aspect of
this development is that the mini-state appears superior to the central
government, as in the case of Somalia’s TFG and Puntland,
semi-autonomous, potentially complicating national reunification.
The mini-state phenomena in Somalia has become a rare window of
political opportunity for power-hungry politicians and businessmen and
women who organize the establishment of mini-states in as cities across
Europe, United States, and in some Arab and African states, though not
in Somalia, according to Mr. Ali.
The majority of these self-proclaimed mini-state "presidents" are part
of various Somali diaspora living internationally though most,
unfortunately, cannot return to the areas they claiming to govern. Some
of these officials paid their flight ticket back to Somalia with
contributions from the Somali communities in the West.
“It could be understood as a shortcut of becoming a president by
mobilizing kinsmen,” said Mr. Ali.
Mohamed Ali, a researcher and analyst in Mogadishu, believes that the
increasing phenomena of mini-states in Somalia could jeopardize national
unity. “It could even lead to confrontations among Somalia’s
mini-states and the federal government, particularly among the
mini-states themselves who could have confrontations on the borders
dividing them," Mohamed Ali told terror free somalia .
“Every single clan and even sub clan will proclaim a mini-state and
then may try to claim their share of the resources and power in the
federal government. This could be further exacerbated by hundreds of
sub-clans,” he explained.
Proclaiming a mini-state and then going to Mogadishu is now becoming a
way for individuals to quickly appear on the national stage. “Just go
to your clan elders and convince them that you are lobbying for your
clan’s political rights in the federal system and they will accept. The
government should stop this practice because it adds more fuel to the
ongoing Somali conflict and no one will be able to stop it,” he warned.
Dalmar Haji, a Ph.D. candidate in Peace and Conflict Resolution and
Somali National Party member, expressed concern about the existence of
more than fifty mini-states in a small country like Somalia. He says
that it could a big obstacle in bring Somalis together or even under one
central government. “It can increase a clan conflict among clans in
same region and even border conflict between the mini-states,” said Mr.
Dalmar.
Despite the warnings, the TFG showed no signs of abandoning the
recognition of mini-states. Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed
officially recognized the newly formed state of Khatumo, formerly part
of the breakaway region of Somaliland. Somaliland, whose forces fought against militias loyal to Khatumo state in Buuhoodle, rejected the offer from the TFG to legitimize Khatumo, accusing President Ahmed of conspiring against “unity of Somaliland."
In Mogadishu this March, TFG security forces disbanded a meeting by the Ex-Banadir state
for the establishment of a parliament of the state citing that the
meeting was illegal and was not approved by the TFG Interior Ministry.
“We have sent the Interior Ministry a request letter for holding the
meeting but they replied with refusal and we cannot accept this because
all other clans had their own states and nobody discarded it," said
Salah Fuleyl, member of the organizers of the meeting.
Hassan Isak, a member of parliament, he said that although the
National Charter allows the formation of the mini-states, he disagrees
with the interpretation of it. “It was not formed in a good way and
could lead to further conflicts. It does not lead to a solid federal
system, but to a less fragile one than we imagined,” he added. Isak
calls for the TFG to end the process of recognizing of the mini-states.
“Just as greediness cannot be not be tolerated, the TFG should restrict
it,” he commented.
The concern is not only about the increasing mini-states, said PhD
candidate Dalmar Haji. “It is all about ratifying the draft federal
constitution of Somalia because the federal government is not suitable
to solve conflicts in Somalia, but instead it refuels the conflict,” he
said.
Dalmar says power struggle among clans is negatively contributing to
the civil war in Somalia. He stated that “now the federal system is
immediately and unexpectedly creating and reemerging clan conflicts in
the country. Look at what is happening in Galgadud, Hiiraan, Jubba and
everywhere in Somalia. Clans within same regions each have a president
of their own semi-autonomous state.”
Former Prime Minister of Somalia Ali Khalif Galaydh (who also advises
for the newly founded Khatumo state), however, sees the increasing
number of mini-states as potentially positively because it could produce
local credible leadership and also contribute to the reemergence of
Somalia. “These are all attempts to get out of the mess. At the same
time it is out of frustration when things don’t happen in Mogadishu. I
mean people are just fed up with the chaos and lack of movement or
motion out of the center, the capital,” said Mr. Galaydh. “It could be
of course more of an obstacle than facilitating or helping the
mechanism."
About the draft federal constitution.
Mr. Galaydh says it is a technical document that requires the attention
of the Somali people. “What was needed and is still needed is for the
Somali people to be aware of the draft and to be on board in terms of
what it outlines. The Somali input in this whole exercise is not up to
the government and the population will be unhappy with their lack of
input,” he added.
Like Ahmed Sheikh Ali and Dalmar Haji, many Somalis are worrying the
increasing number of mini-states in Somalia could be the beginning of
land grab in Somalia. “This could be a lose-lose land grab for all
Somalis,” said Ahmed Sheikh Ali, “If the TFG can't exercise its
authority over all the mini-states and clan militias, it could end up
with another horrific twenty years and possibly more - a 'war is in
waiting' since some mini-states would try to form their militias which
could weaken any agendas of rebuilding national army in Somalia," he
stated.
The following list is intended to provide an accounting of many of the mini-states located throughout Somalia.
Galmudug, which claims to run a combination of the Mudug and Galgadud
regions, was first to test this theory of mini-state in 2006. Since
that time, it has become a kind of role model for many mini-states
claiming to govern areas over which they actually have they have little
or no control.For detailed report please see about " Galmudug
Himan and Heeb just a tribal enclave of hawiye.
was established in 2008 and mainly covers parts of the Galgudud regions. One of the oldest of the regional states proclaimed in Somalia, it is dominated by the Saleeban sub clan of Habar Gidir. Himan and Heeb was presumably a direct answer to the Sa’ad dominated Galmdug administration. The two homogenous clans of Galmudug and Himan and Heeb are the most influential and had some permanent presence in Galkacyo and Addado, and a technical presence beyond these two towns. Officials from both Galmudug and Himan and Heeb made efforts to unite the two administrations but failed as neither leader wanted to lose his government position. Mohamed Abdulahi Ticey serves as president.
was established in 2008 and mainly covers parts of the Galgudud regions. One of the oldest of the regional states proclaimed in Somalia, it is dominated by the Saleeban sub clan of Habar Gidir. Himan and Heeb was presumably a direct answer to the Sa’ad dominated Galmdug administration. The two homogenous clans of Galmudug and Himan and Heeb are the most influential and had some permanent presence in Galkacyo and Addado, and a technical presence beyond these two towns. Officials from both Galmudug and Himan and Heeb made efforts to unite the two administrations but failed as neither leader wanted to lose his government position. Mohamed Abdulahi Ticey serves as president.
Gal-Hiran and Haradhere wants control of Galgudud region and
parts of Hiran. Its supporters are mainly part of the Ahlu Sunnah Wal
Jaama (ASWJ) and the main cities in this state include Dhusamareeb,
Guri-cel, Marer Gur and Haradhere town which are considered to important
pirate strongholds. Abdilqadid Mohamed Bahdoon is the president of the
state, which is dominated by Ayr, a sub clan of Habargidir. The state
was founded on September 23, 2010 and has relations with the TFG.
El-Bur State was created in London on June 5, 2011 to run the
El-Bur district in the Galgagud region of Somalia. El-Bur was formerly
the capital of the Galgaduud region and once served as a local
commercial hub. Abdillahi Malim Asparo is the president of El-Bur state,
though al-Shababa and Ahlu Sunna are currently fighting over El-Bur. It
is located approximately 375km north of Mogadishu.
Mareeg is a region in Galgadud based on the Ajuuran sultanate
in the Middle Ages. It was established in April 2011 and exists in the
Galgudud and Mudug regions. Its main administrative area is between
Haradhere and Budbud towns and includes approximately 250km of seashore.
Dayib Mohamed Sheikh serves as president of Mareeg. Its leaders have
called on Somali businessmen to build a new port and roads linking the
state with the other parts of Somalia, with the purpose of encouraging
regional development.
Somali Central state was established in 2011 and claims
control over parts of Galgudud and Mudug regions and has links with
Himan and Heeb. The center of the regional state is Abudwak and is
dominated by the Mareehan clan. It does not yield much political power
and has been overshadowed by disagreements with ASWJ, which is currently
the most powerful force in Abdudwak. Mohamed Hashi Abdi is the
president. He was arrested in Abdudwaq by ASWJ militia forces.
Galgaduud state was formed in Dubai in April 2011. Its goal is
to run the entire Galgadud region, despite the fact that the states of
Galmudug, Himan and Heeb, Mareeg, El-Bur, Gal-Hiiran and Somali Central
state all intend to run their own regions. Abdirashid Mohamed Dirir is
the president of Galgaduud state.
Waax and Waadi was established in Bristol, Britain in March
2011 to govern Harardhere, Mareeg, El-Dher, Masagawa and Galad in
Galgadud and the Juba Valley, particularly Turdho and Kowsar. Nor Ali
Omar akas Dubad is the president of this administration.
Dooxo state was reportedly established in 2011. Its goal is to
govern parts of Galgadud and possibly the Mudug regions. Bashir
Abdulahi Abshir is the president of Dooxo. Little is known about this
state.
Bila Quban state was created in April 2011. It wants to govern
the area from Fah, located 30km from Haradhere district, north to the
Hurow, which is located 1km from the Hilawe Gab village in southern
Somalia.
Mini-states in Jubba
Azania was established on March 20, 2011 in Kenya and is supported by Kenya, which is interested helping develop a regional administration and establish a buffer zone against threats from al-Shabaab. Azania state is led by Mohamed Abdi Gandhi, a former Somalia defense minister. He is an educated man who has personal contacts with the governments of both Ethiopia and Kenya. The regional state works in Gedo and Lower Jubba regions, and its capital is Bu'aale town.
Jubbaland was established in January 2012 is considered a rival regional to the state of Azania. Jubbaland desires to rule Lower Jubba, Gedo and Middle Jubba. Mohamed Farah Du'aaleh is the president, but is not as well known as Mohamed Abdi Gandhi, the leader of Azania, who has links with Ethiopia and Kenya. Jubbaland has no direct contact with these countries who support pro-government militias including the ASWJ and Ras Kamboni fighting against al-Shabaab in lower Jubba and Middle Jubba. Unlike Azania, Jubbaland has the support of the local people in the regions who are reportedly suspicious of Azania's links with Kenya.
Jubba and Shabelle was founded on July 5, 2011. It wants control of the Jubba regions in the south and parts of the Bay region. The supporters of this regional state are the Somali Bantu or Jareerweyne commnunity and those of Digil and Mirifle. Abdi Osman Omar is the president of this regional state.
Jubba-Ras was created January 8, 2011 in Scandinavia. It claims to have a legitimate right to govern the Lower and Middle Jubba regions of Somalia. The supporters of this administration are the Biyo-maal community. Abdi Qadir Mohamud Yusuf is the president of Jubba-Ras state of Somalia. Little is known of Mr. Yusuf other than he is young and calls himself "Engineer" (though it is not known if he has earned this nickname through legitimate academic studies, or if he simply prefers the name).
Jubba-Jasiira's formal founding date is unknown; however, the Nairobi-based community from Shiiqaal held a welcoming party for Jubba-Jasiira's president Abdi Ahmed Osman on January 3, 2011. It wants to administrate the Jubba regions in south Somalia.
Greenland state was founded in Kenya’s little Mogadishu district of Eastliegh in Nairobi in November 21, 2010. Like Jubba-Jasiira, Greenland state wants to rule in Jubba regions of Somalia. Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Afkule is the president of this administration.
Dooxada Cagaaran state was created in Mogadishu in May 8, 2011. Ali Mohamed Ibrahim is the president of this administration, which, like the two states described above, also wants to control Jubba regions of Somalia.
Udubland state was established on February 17, 2011 by President Ibrahim Abdullahi Addo. It claims to represent the communities of Lower Shabelle and the two Jubba regions and wants to govern these three combined regions.
Shabelle-Jubba state was formed in Columbus, Ohio on April 6, 2012 by Dr. Abdikadir Noor Awo. It appears this state wishes to govern more than six regions (Shabeelaha Hoose, Jubada Dhexe, Jubada Hoose, Gedo, Bay and Bakool) though each of these already has its own mini-state.
South West state was initially formed in November 2002 in Baidoa (capital of the South West state) to govern Bay and Bakool regions but it is renewed in April 2011. It currently wants to control the Gedo, Bay, Bakool, Middle Juba, Lower Juba and lower Shabelle regions in southwest Somalia. Sayid Ali Sheikh Mohamed is the president of this administration.
Koofur-Galbeed - During the course of this research, Somalia Report discovered another South West state, called Koofur-Galbeed also claiming to adminster the same area of Sheikh Mohamed’s South West state. The president of this administration is Dr. Ali Abdi Baab. It is unclear whether one replaced the other but it is possible they are independent.
Mini-states in Hiran.. just a tribal enclave of hawiye.
Hiran (Hiiraan) state was established on August 10, 2010 and seeks to rule the entire Hiran region. This region has a strategic significance as it links southern regions to central Somalia. It is also of strategic importance to Ethiopia, which wants to use the region as a buffer zone to control the movements of the radical Islamists of al-Shabaab and ONLF. Hiran state is led by Mohamed Abdi Gab and is set against Gal-Hiran state and Shabelle Valley Administration (SVA) which also claim to be the legitimate states in the region.
Dooxada Shabelle or Shabelle Valley Administration (SVA) wants control of the central regions and Hiran and maintains an unspecified number of armed militia. It was founded on April 13, 2011, apparently in reaction to the establishment of Hiran state in September 2010, which is dominated by the Hawadle and Jijeele clans, including Gaal Jecel, while some of Gaal Jecel are opposed to this new state. Abdifitah Hassan Afhrah is the president of SVA and recently rejected the TFG’s plans for creating an administration in Beledweyne after a bitter disagreement between ASWJ and SVA over the control of Hiran region. This comes after Ethiopian troops backed by SVA forces and ASWJ seized Beledweyne from al-Shabaab forces in December 2011. It should be noted that the Somali government nominated Abdifatah Hassan Afrah to be governor of Hiiran region.
Hiranland state was founded in September 2010. It maintains no armed militia and its influence has been overshadowed by armed conflict and the power struggle between the SVA and ASWJ. The group is led by diaspora including its president Mukhtar Sheikh Abdirisak.
Hiiraan and Midland state was established June 2010 in London. Abdiqadir Adan Abdi is the founder and the president of this administration.
Shabeelaha Dhexe state or Middle Shabelle state was formed in January 2009. It wants to manage the Middle Shabelle region in Somalia. Ali Madahey Jawle is the president of this mini-state.
Banadir was established in 2011 and represents the minority
Banadiri community, which is made up of mainly Arabs from Oman and
Yemen. The supporters of this regional state do not belong to the armed
clans and are considered to the "others" group who receive half due the
power sharing formula of 4.5. Banadir state could have influence on
supporters living mainly in the districts of Hammerwein, Shingani
districts of Mogadishu and in Marka and Brava in Lower Shabelle region.
Abba Awow Haji is the president of Banadir.
Ex-Banadir state of Somalia was also created in Mogadishu in
March 2012 to run the Banaadir, Middle Shabelle, and Lower Shabelle
regions. Somalia government soldiers intervened and stopped the
formation party of this administration but its president Mohamed
Abdirahman Ali claims a legal right to manage the three regions of
Somalia. The Banadir region “Mogadishu” has already has a TFG-formed
administration. Mogadishu will be the headquarters for the
administration.
Jiin-webi was founded on October 1, 2011 and is supported by
the Somali Bantu or Jareerweyne communities, a minority group that
descended from tribes in East and central Africa. These communities
include the Wagosha communities and are discriminated against by tother
Somali clans. This group is mainly made up of peasants living Lower
Shabelle, Middle Shabelle, Lower Jubba, Middle Jubba and Hiran. They
joined with the .5 of the 4.5 clan sharing formula in parliament;
therefore, they are not well represented. Mohamed Ahmed Hussein is its
president.
Banaadirland was established in Nairobi, Kenya, in December
2011. It wants to run the Lower Shabelle, Middle Shabelle and Banadir
regions. Engineer Abdulle Hassan Nurrow is the president of Banaadirland
administration. Mogadishu will be headquarters for the administration.
Xamar iyo Xamr daye state wants to run Mogadishu’s Banadir region and
middle Shabelle. This administration is established in Nairobi on May
15, 2011. Jibril Haji Mohamud is the president of this administration.
Wargaadhi State was formed May 2011 in Nairobi. It seeks to
run the Middle Shabelle region. Yusuf Hundubay is the president of
Wargaadhi State of Somalia.
Hir iyo Maanyo was established in 2011. It wants to
administrate the Lower and Middle Shabelle regions of Somalia. Engineer
Ahmed Bajuu is the president of this administration.
Abweyn State was formed in September 2011. Its goal is to rule
the Banadir, Lower and Middle Shabelle regions of Somalia. Abdullahi
Abdi Mohamed is the president of this administration.
Mini-states in One-Clan secessionist Enclave. aka Somaliland aka isaaq clan
Saylac and Lughaye state of Somalia was formed on February 7,
2012 to govern parts of Somaliland as a member of the federal government
in Somalia. Mahad Abib Mohamud is the president of this administration,
which includes clans from Somaliland, Saylac, and Lughaye located
northwestern of Somalia. Somaliland has been controlling itself since
its breakaway.
Awdal is clan based division based on a 16th century sultanate
in the westernmost region between Somaliland and Djibouti inhabited by
Gadabursi subclan of the Dir. Somaliland and Adwalland are vying for
control of this region. Awdal State of Somalia wants to be part of a
federal government of Somalia. Its second anniversary took place in
Switzerland on March, 20, 2012. The closest that Rashid Aw Nor Hirsi,
the president of Awdal State of Somalia, can travel is Mogadishu and the
areas where Somaliland army have no presence.
Khaatumo was announced in January 2012 after a meeting in
Taleh town of Sool and it comprises the Sool, Sanaag and Eyn regions.
Khatumo was established during a conference known as Khatumo2 and
supports TFG rather than Somaliland. The Dhulbahante clan, a sub clan of
Darod clan, is dominant in the regions of Sool, Sanag and Eyn and has
maintains the SSC militia fighters who fought against Somaliland in
Buuhoodle. Major politicians including Ali Khalif Galeyr, a former
Somali prime minister and lecturer at US universities, backed the
conference. The Khatumo state of Somalia will have three presidents,
rotating on a six month basis, and a supreme council comprising of three
members, and a cabinet of six members. The three routine presidents
are: Ahmed Elmi Osman (Amed Karash), Mohmaed Yusuf Jama (Indhasheeel)
and Nur Elmi (Biindhe). In March of this year, the TFG officially
recognized Khatumo. In March 2012, the TFG recognized the state, but
rescinded this few days a later.
For a more detailed look at Khatumo, please see Khatumo?".
Ras-Aseyr state was established on April 17, 2011 and is
dominated by the Siwaqroon clan in the Bari region of Puntland. It was
founded in Bargaal, the capital of Bari region and its president is Mohamed Farah Doxa-joog.
This regional state has contacts with Maakhir, Mareeg, ASWJ, the TFG,
and Khatumo, but almost has no contact with Puntland authorities.
Ras-Aseyr claims they were forced to declare their own state, which lies
within Puntland borders, after Puntland failed to develop their area
and even neglected the needs of its people. Puntland, furious over its
formation, has battled with the group for control of Bargaal, an eastern
coastal area of Puntland driven by the Siwaqroon sub clan of the
Majerteen.
Karkaar state shares its name with the mountain rage which runs through it and is mainly the southern area of Bari region of Puntland.
Maakhir was established in June 2009 after a dispute with
Puntland authorities over a range of issues, including mining and oil
resources. The biggest cities in the Maakhir state are Las Qoray,
Badhan, Hadaaftimo Hingalol and Erigavo. Maakhir state was established
by the Warsengeli sub clan of Darood and is not recognized by the
government of Puntland. Jibril Ali Salad is the president of Maakhir
state and maintains a parliament and a cabinet of ministers.
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