According to an article published in Africa Confidential, of 18 October 1996, Islamists of the Al Itahad al Islam, in the form of the Gedo Islamic Union, have been powerful in Gedo (18 Oct. 1996, 5). This source states that the Marehan, under the Somali National Front (SNF) were pushed out of Gedo by the late General Mohamed Farah Aydeed, and SNF Generals Omar Haji Masale and Hashi Gani fled to Kenya (ibid.).

According to Africa Confidential, Ethiopian forces launched an attack on three Somali towns(Belet Hawa, Dolo and Lugh (in an attempt to destroy bases of the Al Itahad al Islam (23 Aug. 1996, 6). Ethiopia reportedly contacted the head of the SNF (Marehan), General Omar Haji, who allegedly "took the opportunity to launch his own attacks on Itahad in Lugh" (ibid.). Itahad reportedly enjoys influence but not control in Dolow, and failed to take control of Garbaharey, the headquarters of the SNF (ibid.). The SNF is reportedly weak in Gedo, although it maintains troops along the border with other regions (ibid.). Although the Islamists allegedly have a strong power base, their executive committee is composed of "Marehan from the Rer Ahmed and Rer Eli Dhere, whose territories extend around Dolow and Bulo Hawa" (ibid.). The SNF is reportedly backed by Ethiopia. Its forces are allegedly blamed for civilian casulties and "Omar Haji cannot for now return to Garbaharey" (ibid.).

Information on the Reer Koshin administration and control of Garbaharey 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. Please find attached a list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Africa Confidential [London]. 18 October 1996. Vol. 37, No. 21. "Flashpoint Gedo."

_____. 23 August 1996. "Ethiopia/Somalia: Warning from Addis."

Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural Series [London]. Monthly.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1995. 1996. United States Department of State. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office.

Horn of Africa Bulletin [Uppsala]. Bimonthly.

New African [London]. Monthly.

West Africa [London]. Weekly.

On-line search on NEXIS database.