For information on the situation of the Abgals, including their involvement in clan clashes, please consult the attachments.

Several sources report that in January 1996 some Abgal politicians formed a new faction called "USC-North Mogadishu" (UN 16-31 Jan. 1996, 4; AC 16 Feb. 1996, 4; AFP 9 Feb. 1996). Africa Confidential, AFP and the clandestine, pro-Aidid Radio Mogadishu, reported that the new group was aligned with General Aidid's self-proclaimed government (ibid; AC 16 Feb. 1996, 4; Radio Mogadishu Voice of the Masses 9 Feb. 1996).

Also included in the attachments, which have been arranged in reverse chronological order for convenience, are general reports on the situation in Mogadishu, some of which report on the activities of the Islamic Court in north Mogadishu. Please note that any markings in the attachments are on the originals.

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.

Africa Confidential (AC) [London]. 16 February 1996. Vol. 37, No. 4. "Somalia: Aydeed Again."

Agence France Presse (AFP) [Paris, in English]. 9 February 1996. "Somalia: Ali Mahdi Supporters Defect, Join Aidid's Government." (FBIS-AFR-96-030 13 Feb. 1996, p. 8)

Radio Mogadishu Voice of the Masses of the Somali Republic [Clandestine, in Somali]. 9 February 1996. "Somalia: Vice President, North Mogadishu USC Officials Sworn In." (FBIS-AFR-96-030 13 Feb. 1996, p. 8)

United Nations. 16-31 January 1996. From Relief to Development in Somalia. Nairobi: Office of the United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Somalia.

Africa Confidential (AC) [London]. 16 February 1996. Vol. 37, No. 4. "Somalia: Aydeed Again," pp. 3-5.

United Nations. 1-15 February 1996. From Relief to Development in Somalia. Nairobi: Office of the United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Somalia, pp. 1-2.

Agence France Presse (AFP) [Paris, in English]. 9 February 1996. "Somalia: Ali Mahdi Supporters Defect, Join Aidid's Government." (FBIS-AFR-96-030 13 Feb. 1996, p. 8)

Radio Mogadishu Voice of the Masses of the Somali Republic [Clandestine, in Somali]. 9 February 1996. "Somalia: Vice President, North Mogadishu USC Officials Sworn In. (FBIS-AFR-96-030 13 Feb. 1996, p. 8-9)

United Nations. 16-31 January 1996. From Relief to Development in Somalia. Nairobi: Office of the United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Somalia, pp. 3-4.

Agence France Presse (AFP) [Paris, in English]. 28 January 1996. "Somalia: Fierce Clan Fighting Erupts in Mogadishu; 13 Dead." (FBIS-AFR-96-019 29 Jan. 1996, pp. 7-8)

_____. 27 January 1996. "Somalia: Islamic Court Imposes Curfew in North Mogadishu." (FBIS-AFR-96-019 29 Jan. 1996, p. 8)

Voice of the Somali Republic [Mogadishu, in Somali]. 27 January 1996. "Somalia: Details of North Mogadishu Curfew Broadcast." (FBIS-AFR-96-019 29 Jan. 1996, p. 8)

Agence France Presse (AFP) [Paris, in English]. 23 January 1996. "Somalia: Islamic Court Bans Daytime Food Sale During Ramadan." (FBIS-AFR-96-015 23 Jan. 1996, p. 11)

BBC World Service [London, in English]. 17 January 1996. "Somalia: Aidid Troops Capture Hudur; USC Splits Up." (FBIS-AFR-96-012 18 Jan. 1996, p. 8)

United Nations. 19 December 1995 15 January 1996. From Relief to Development in Somalia. Nairobi: Office of the United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Somalia, pp. 1-2.

Agence France Presse (AFP) [Paris, in English]. 30 December 1995. "Nine Die in Clan Fighting West of Mogadishu." (FBIS-AFR-96-002 3 Jan. 1996, p. 6)

United Nations. 1-18 December 1995. From Relief to Development in Somalia. Nairobi: Office of the United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Somalia, np.

BBC World Service [London, in English]. 9 December 1995. "Somalia: Libyan Diplomats Escape Death in Ambush 8 Dec." (FBIS-AFR-95-238 12 Dec. 1995, p. 5)

Agence France Presse (AFP) [Paris, in English]. 4 December 1995. "Somalia: Fighting Intensifies Between Two Subclans." (FBIS-AFR-95-232 4 Dec. 1995, p. 4)

United Nations. 16-30 November 1995. From Relief to Development in Somalia. Nairobi: Office of the United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Somalia, pp. 1-2.

Agence France Presse (AFP) [Paris, in English]. 18 November 1995. "Three Killed, 7 Wounded in Somali Violence." (FBIS-AFR-95-223 20 Nov. 1995, p. 6)

_____. 1-15 November 1995. From Relief to Development in Somalia. Nairobi: Office of the United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Somalia, pp. 1-2.