The information contained in this Response was provided by a Somali professor of public administration at Maxwell School, Syracuse University in New York during a telephone interview with the DIRB (25 Oct. 1993). According to this source, northwest Somalia (Somaliland) is comparatively stable. The towns of Berbera, Burao and Hargeisa in Somaliland are inhabited and controlled by members of the Isaaq clan. The president of Somaliland is Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, who is also a member of the Isaaq clan. The area west of Hargeisa, however, is inhabited and controlled by the Warsangeli, Dubalhante and Gadabursi clans. The clans are reportedly opposed to the cessation of Somaliland from the rest of Somalia while Mohamed Ibrahim Egal and the rest of the Isaaq clan advocate a sovereign Somaliland.

Although Somaliland is relatively peaceful, interclan rivalry exists, and individuals, depending on their social, political, and economic status may be targets for harassment. The source further stated that there is a United Nations office in Bosasso but it is not part of United Nations Operation for Somalia (UNOSOM). This information was corroborated by the ex-director general for higher education in Somalia, now resident in Ottawa, in a telephone interview with the DIRB (26 Oct. 1993).

An article published in The Indian Ocean Newsletter of 2 October 1993 also supports the above information. The article states that there are no major problems of public safety and adds that President Mohamed Ibrahim Egal does not see the necessity of UN assistance and is opposed to the extension of UNISOM 2 to Somaliland. "President Ibrahim Egal asked the UNISOM 2 officials to leave Somaliland, and even went so far as to close Hargeisa airport to trafic for a time to prevent UN airborne troops from landing" (ibid.).

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.

Ex-director for higher education in Somalia, Ottawa. 26 October 1993. Telephone Interview.

The Indian Ocean Newsletter [Paris]. 2 October 1993. "Somaliland: UN Clangers."

Professor of public education, Maxwell School, Syracuse University, New York. 25 October 1993. Telephone Interview.

The Indian Ocean Newsletter [Paris]. 2 October 1993. "Somaliland: UN Clangers."