According to a Syracuse University professor of public administration with academic interests in Somali affairs, the Awramale are a subclan of the Darod (20 Feb. 1995). Although Awramale trace their roots to northern Somalia, they are currently concentrated in southern Somalia, Kismayo and the Lower Jubba (ibid.). According to the professor, with the exception of the Marehan, the other Darod subclans are the principal allies of the Awramale. These allies include the Majerteen, Dulbahante and Warsangali (ibid.). On the other hand, the Awramale's enemies have constantly changed according to the clans and the militias controlling southern Somalia (ibid.). For instance, the Awramale and the other Darood subclans do not perceive the Marehan as allies (ibid.). The other Darod subclans attribute this hostile relationship with the Marehan to Siad Barre and the suffering he brought upon non-Marehan Somalis during his administration.

The Syracuse University professor added that, for 145 years, the Awramale have inhabited an area in southern Somalia considered prime land in terms of its agricultural potential and existing infrastructure. As a result, this prime land offers the potential for creating further conflict among the clans, following the United Nations' "pull-out from Somalia in March 1995" (ibid.). According to the professor, the future of the Awramale in the Lower Jubba and around Kismayo will ultimately depend on the clans or subclans that control the region.

A representative of Somali Immigrant Aid in Toronto corroborated the information provided by the Syracuse University professor concerning the allies of the Awramale (20 Feb. 1995). In the words of the representative, "other Daroods perceive the Marehan as traitors."

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Somali Immigrant Aid, Toronto. 20 February 1995. Telephone interview with representative.

Professor of political science with academic interests in Somalia, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. 20 February 1995. Telephone interview.