According to Somalia: Background Brief, the Isaaq are the largest clan family in Somaliland (United Kingdom, Oct. 1995, 47). Maps show the Isaaq occupying territory between the Gadabursi of the Dir in the west and the Dolbahante and Warsangeli of the Darod in the east (EC, Aug. 1995 n.p.; Magna Carta 1993). For the lineage of the Isaaq, please consult the genealogical charts in The Price of Peace by P.S. Gilkes and pages 111-14 of Généalogie du Peuple Somali, which is compiled in the "Supplement to Information Session on Country Conditions on Somalia." Both of these documents are available at Regional Documentation Centres.

For information on the general situation in Somaliland, please consult SML24777.E of 12 September 1996 on the situation in the capital of Hargeisa SML24464.E of 6 August 1996 on the situation in Arabsiyo and on fighting between Isaaq subclans; and SML24463.E of 1 August 1996 on the situation in Burao. These Responses 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.

EC Somalia Unit, European Union (EU). August 1995. "Distribution of Somali Clans and Neighbouring People." A Study of Decentralised Political Structures for Somalia: A Menu of Options. London: European Union/United Nations Development Office for Somalia.

Magna Carta Maps. 1993. "Somalia." Capital Heights, MD: Williams & Heintz.

United Kingdom. Asylum Division of the Home Office. October 1995. Somalia: Background Brief. (Compiled by the DIRB. Feb. 1996. "Supplement to Information Session on Country Conditions on Somalia.")