According to a Somali professor of public administration at Syracuse University, the Reer Hamar are Somalis of Arab descent who have been living in Somalia for over 200 years (16 Feb. 1994). They are located in the vicinity of Mogadishu and Barawa and are different from Somalis in that they are not part of the Somali clan structure and rarely intermarry with Somali women (ibid.). The professor explained that they are generally business people, are urbanized and are more advanced than ordinary Somalis in terms of education, business and professional development. However, he also emphasized that the Reer Hamar, more than other ethnic group, have borne the brunt of the Somali war (ibid.). Not having a militia of their own, they have been targets of harassment and extortion. They have been dispossessed of their properties and many have been forced to leave Mogadishu for Bosasso in the northeast. He stated that those who have remained in Mogadishu are experiencing hardship (ibid.).

In an earlier interview, a Somali field consultant for the Horn of Africa Relief and development organization stated that the Reer Hamar belong to the Bantu tribe (26 Jan. 1994). This source stated that clans of Bantu origin are despised in Somalia and that the Reer Hamar are ostracized. The Reer Hamar reportedly left Somalia for Djibouti after the fall of Siad Barre, but they were ostracized and returned to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. According to the source, Hargeisa is hostile to non-Isaaqs and the Reer Hamar in Hargeisa have been subject to harassment.

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.

Field Consultant for the Horn of Africa Relief and Development Organization, Memphis, Tn. 26 January 1994. Telephone interview.

Somali professor of public administration, Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y. 16 February 1994. Telephone interview.