Specialists on Somali history, politics and society, do not agree on the origins and clan affiliation of the Galgalo. According to a History professor at the College of Holy Cross, Massechusetts, who specializes in Somali history and politics, the Galgalo "claim" to be related to the Darod clan, particularly the Majertein, although they have always lived in Hawiye areas (14 Oct. 1998).

An associate professor of Sociology at Central Michigan University, at Mount Pleasant, who specializes in Somali minority clans, stated that the Galgalo are a separate clan; "historically," they were "tied" to the Abgal/Hawiye (15 Oct. 1998). He further explained that the word "Galgalo" in Somali means "he or she who joined in or who entered," in other words, he clarified, they came from outside the main clan and therefore were perceived as outsiders. He explained, that although they lived among the Abgal, in pre-war Somalia, the Abgal treated them as "untouchables, " which means, he explained, that the Abgal did not want to associate with them and they [Abgal] despised and discriminated against the Galgalo (ibid.).

Both professors agree, however, that Siad Barre recruited the Galgalo into state security agencies to carry out oppressive acts against the other Somalis. After the overthrow of Siad Barre in 1991, the Hawiye clans, including the Abgal retaliated against them and threw them out of their home areas. The history professor emphasized that the warlords have treated the Galgalo "very badly" because of the role they played in Siad Barre's regime, and the associate professor of sociology added that the Galgalo face a "serious dilemma" in current Somalia because they are not affiliated to any clan. Although Siad Barre used them against the other clans, and though they now find themselves among the Majertein/Darod in Kismayu and Bari in northeastern Somalia, the Darod clans do not recognize them as their members. Within the context of current Somali politics, he further stated, the Galgalo have no protection or rights.

Both sources stated that the Gaal Ja'el are a separate clan. They explained that the words "Gaal Ja'el" mean "he or she who loves camels." The associate professor of Sociology also stated that the Gaal Ja'el are affiliated with the Hawiye and are one of the bigger Hawiye clans.

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. Please see below he list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Professor of History specialising in Somali history and politics, College of Holy Cross, Massechusetts. 14 October 1998. Telephone interviews with the Research Directorate.

Associate Professor of Sociology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, 15 October 1998. Telephone interview with Research Directorate.

Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural Series [Oxford]. January -July 1998. Vol. 35. Nos. 1-7.

Horn of Africa Bulletin [Uppsala]. January - August 1998. Vol. 10. Nos. 1-4.

The Indian Ocean Newsletter [Paris]. June 1997-September 1998. Nos. 768-827.
Danish Immigration Service [Copenhagen]. May 1997.

Report on the Nordic Fact-Finding Mission to Central and Southern Somalia 15 February to 14 March 1997.

Electronic sources: IRB Databases, LEXIX/NEXIS, Internet, World News Connection.