A Somali professor of public administration at Syracuse University in New York, who is a specialist on Somali affairs stated that the Akishe live in Somaliland in the region stretching from Jijiga to Hargeisa. Most of them live in Ethiopia but a few live in Hargeisa and Gebile (2 Mar. 1994). Although they are Somalis by culture and language, the Akishe are not part of the major clan families such as the Dir or Darood. They tend to be mixed farmers and traditionally interact with the Isaaks, Saad Musa, Jibril and Abokor subclans (ibid.). Before 1991, the Akishe were not politically vocal and did not support the government of Siad Barre or the Somali National Movement (SNM), although a few of them were represented in the national army.

In February 1993 "all ethnic groups" were represented at the grand gathering of about 300 elders, customary chiefs, academics, politicians and soldiers of Somaliland which took place in Borama to discuss independence and peace among the Issaq, Gadabursi, Wasangeli and Dolbahante clans (The Indian Ocean Newsletter 27 Feb. 1993, 3). According to the professor, the Akishe attended the conference as individual observers rather than as official representatives of their clan. The professor explained that this signifies that the Akishe do not seem to have a position in Somaliland. He also said that there were a few Akishe in Mogadishu before and after 1991 (2 Mar. 1994). Information on their situation before and after 1991 could not be found among the sources currently available to the DIRB.

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 Indian Ocean Newsletter [Paris]. 27 February 1993. "Somaliland: Grand Shir at Borama."

Somali professor of public administration, Syracuse University, NY. 2 March 1994. Telephone interview.