In a 10 September 1997 interview with the DIRB, a doctoral student at York University in Toronto, who specializes in the history of the Benadir in Somalia, stated that the Begedi are associated with the Digil and Mirifle clans (ibid.). He explained that the Begedi are a small group with no affiliation to the warring clans. Since they do not have militias of their own, he stated that they would be vulnerable to attacks by armed militias (ibid.). This information is corroborated by Lee Cassanelli, author of "Victims and Vulnerable Groups in Southern Somalia," who states that "the Digil consist of seven clans (including Geledi, Begeda [sic], Tunni, Garre Babarre)" (May 1995, 24). Cassanelli further states that the Digil and Mirifle are members of the Rahanweyn, a term referring "to about three dozen clans that inhabit the interior zone of southern Somalia" (ibid., 23). For additional information on the Rahanweyn and their situation in Somalia, please consult pages 23-25 if the Cassanelli paper and Response to Information Request SOM27137.E of 5 June 1997, which are 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.

Lee Cassanelli. May 1995. "Victims and Vulnerable Groups in Southern Somalia." Ottawa: Documentation, Information and Research Branch (DIRB), Immigration and Refugee Board.

Doctoral student specializing in the history of the Benadir in Somalia at York University, Toronto. 10 September 1997. Telephone interview.