A representative of the Benadir Studies Association, a Somali group based in Toronto, stated during a telephone interview with the DIRB, that the Bagadi, like other minority clans in Somalia, have been targets of harassment by General Farah Aideed's Somali National Army (SNA) (26 July 1995). He explained that due to lack of alliances with majority clans, military and economic strengths, and in the absence of a centralized government, minority clans remain vulnerable as they cannot avail themselves of the protection of the state (ibid.). This information corroborates the information contained in Lee Cassanelli's paper entitled Victims and Vulnerable Groups in Southern Somalia (May 1995, 13-16), available at Regional Documentation Centres.

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 Benadir Studies Association, Toronto. 26 July 1995. Telephone interview with representative.