Information on the specific situation of the Biyomal clan is currently unavailable to the DIRB. However, according to a former ex-director for higher education in Somalia, now resident in Ottawa, the Biyomal are a sub-clan of the Dir, who live in the region of Merca (4 Oct. 1994). Heavy fighting between members of the Dir clan and Mohamed Farah Aideed's Habr Gedir clan was reported in Merca in March 1994 (Reuters 7 Mar.1994; UPI 8 Mar. 1994).

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.

the Former director of higher education in Somalia, Ottawa. 4 October 1994. Telephone Interview.

Reuters. 7 March 1994. BC Cycle. Aidan Martley. "Somali Militias Clash at Least 22 Killed." (NEXIS)

The United Press International (UPI). 8 March 1994. BC Cycle. "Clan Fighting Intensifies in Somalia." (NEXIS)