Update to Response to Information Request SOM23319.E of 19 March 1996 on current information on the Majerteen clan and on conditions in the areas where they live [SOM25346.E]

According to a representative of Somali Immigrant Aid in Toronto, the Majerteen inhabit northeastern Somalia, an area stretching from Bosasso on the Gulf of Aden to Bakool on the border with Ethiopia (12 Dec.1996). He stated that this is a relatively peaceful area as inter-clan fighting is not as pronounced as in Mogadishu (ibid.).

A professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania who specializes in Somalia, stated that northeastern Somalia, in particular Bosasso, is relatively peaceful. He stated that "clannism is ceasing" and people can get what they want (13 Dec. 1996). This information is corroborated by a 17 March 1996 Manchester Guardian Weekly article, which states that Bossaso is apparently a relatively peaceful region that has attracted Somalis from other major groups, and refugees from Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda (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.

References


Manchester Guardian Weekly. 17 March 1996. Vol. 154, No. 11. "Somalis Make City Thrive Amid Anarchy,"

Professor of history specializing in Somalia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. 13 December 1996. Telephone interview.

Somali Immigrant Aid, Toronto. 12 December 1996. Telephone interview with representative.

Attachment


Manchester Guardian Weekly. 17 March 1996. Vol. 154, No. 11. "Somalis Make City Thrive Amid Anarchy," p. 17.