According to a 20 June 1997 Africa Confidential report, General Omar Haji is the leader of the Somali National Front (SNF). This source further states that the SNF has come into conflict with the Islamist movement, Al Ithad al Islami, over the control of Gedo (ibid.). The source also states that Haji Omar was a signatory to the Sodere Agreement, which set up the National Salvation Council (ibid.). For detailed information on the Sodere Agreement, please consult Response to Information Request SOM26813.E of 15 May 1997, which is available at Regional Documentation Centres.

According to an 18 October 1996 Africa Confidential report, General Omar Haji Masale belongs to the Marehan clan of the late President Siad Barre. The 20 June Africa Confidential states that the SNF was among the factions that received "several lorry loads" of arms from Ethiopia in January 1997. Apparently Ethiopia supports Somali factions that are fighting to root the Al Itihad movement out of Gedo (ibid.). For additional information on this topic please consult the following Responses to Information Requests, which are available at Regional Documentation Centres: SOM27469.E of 21 August 1997, SOM26182.E of 3 April 1997 and SOM25587.E of 19 November 1996.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate 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 [London]. 20 June 1997. "Ethiopia/Somalia: Addis and Al Itahad."

_____. 18 October 1996. "Flashpoint Gedo."

Africa Confidential [London]. 20 June 1997. "Ethiopia/Somalia: Addis and Al Itahad," p. 8.

_____. 18 October 1996. "Flashpoint Gedo," p. 5.