Information on the Issa clan in Somaliland is limited among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

A 17 December 1997 AFP article states that Issa, along with the Issak, Dulabahanti, Wasangali and Gadabursi clans, are the main inhabitants in Somaliland.

According to a 8 November 1997 Indian Ocean Newsletter, an agreement was reached between the Somaliland and Djibouti governments to repatriate some 20,000 Issa refugees who were living in exile in the townships of Ali Adde, Assamo and Hol Fol in Djibouti.
During a 26 January 1998 telephone interview, the director of an Islamic school in Ottawa who specializes in Somalia history indicated that members of Issa clan live in Western Somaliland and a lot of them in the town of Erigavo. The director of the Islamic school obtained the degree of doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) at University of California, Los Angels in 1977. His thesis is entitled

The Arab Factor in Somali History: The Origins and the Development of Arab Enterprise and Cultural Influences in the Somalia Peninsula.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate 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. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Agence France Presse (AFP). 17 December 1997. "Somaliland's President Resigns for Health Reasons." (NEXIS)

Islamic School of Ottawa. 26 January 1998. Telephone interview with a director.

The Indian Ocean Newsletter. 8 November 1997. "Diplomatic Recognition for Somaliland." (NEXIS).

Africa Research Bulletin [Oxford]. 1997 to present.

Somaliland country file. 1996 to present.

Electronic sources: DIRB databases, Internet, LEXIS/NEXIS, REFWORLD (UNHCR database), World News Connection (WNC).