By Khalid Hassan Yusuf Arab historians who wrote about the history of the Horn of Africa region in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries AD, spoke about the division of Muslims before the kings of Abyssinia. These Islamic-style emirates were subject to the control of the kings of Abyssinia, who were forcefully taking royalties from them....
By Faisal A. Roble Understanding the Clan Factor With its open-ended segmentary system, the clan is an enduring political tool in Somali society. The elite uses the clan factor to bargain for power, thus inadvertently hindering the process of state construction. The bondage to the mighty genius Somali clanism by the average person and the...
By Aden Ismail In November 2011, President Obama officially unveiled the pivot to Asia plan to usher in what then-foreign secretary Hillary Clinton called “America’s Pacific Century.” A strategic reorientation meant to shift focus on the economic potentials of Asia, counterbalancing China’s growing influence, checking North Korea’s belligerent behaviours and reassuring regional allies, while simultaneously...
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow In the last quarter of the 19th century, extending into the early 20th century, as the European powers extended control in the Horn of Africa, scholars of Islam became leading figures in the organization and leadership of Somali resistance. These scholars saw the defense of Muslim lands against Christian invaders-the Italians, British,...
By Faisal A. Roble Introduction About 47 years ago, the Somali National Army and the Western Somali Liberation Front (WSLF) jointly fought against Ethiopia’s Derg forces over the Ogaden region. As wars leave behind national conflicting myths and narratives they in turn strengthen identity politics and nationalism; so did the 1977-78 Ogaden war. Two issues...
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow Sheikh Bashir Sheikh Yusuf: The Leader of the Final Jihad in Somaliland targeting the cities of Burao and Erigavo. This revolt was a crucial part of the broader anti-colonial struggle and reflected the ongoing influence of Islamic scholars in leading resistance against colonialism. It was built on the legacy of Sayid Mohamed...
By Faisal A. Roble Introduction This essay is based on two unpublished manuscripts on the Political Economy of Intervention and Historical Injustices against Somalis. I will argue that intervention in the Horn of Africa Region is a colonial function and has roots both in African enslavement and subsequent colonization. Beginning with the 1884 Berlin Conference,...
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow This article provides an overview of ten key narratives in Somalia’s trajectory of historical development. These narratives include Somalia’s rich ancient history, its early maritime trade networks, and the significant influence of Islam on Somali society. It also examines the disruption caused by colonial powers, the role of Somali nationalism in shaping...
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow This article is dedicated to the esteemed scholars of Islam who belong to the Qaderiya order in the historical Bandir region. It continues our series of short biographies that highlight the lives and contributions of prominent Somalis. Through this series, we aim to shed light on the significant roles these scholars have...
By Abdulrahman Baadiyow Haji Farah Oomar Ileeye (1879–1949) was a dedicated Somali nationalist and a pioneer in the realm of Somali civil society. He was born in Hagal in the Saahil region of Somaliland, within a wealthy pastoral family connected to the Qaderiyah Sufi order. From a young age, Haji Farah’s education began at a...