In an 18 June 1997 telephone interview with the DIRB, a representative of the Toronto-based Benadir Somali Association, who has done extensive research on the cultural history of the Benadir coast, stated that the Tunni are divided into several groups, including the urban and rural Tunni. He explained that the rural Tunni live around the city of Barawa and also inhabit the Merca region, which is currently under the occupation of militias loyal to Hussein Aydeed's Habr Gedir clan. He further stated that both the rural and urban Tunnis are identified with the Baravanese (also spelt Barawans), and face the same insecurities. Their properties and land have been expropriated by warring factions. As they do not have a militia of their own, he explained, the have no protection and have been displaced by the civil war (ibid).

In The Price of Peace: Somalia and the United Nations 1991-1994, Patrick Gilkes, indicates that the Tunni and other clans, have been displaced and now live in Kenya (Sept. 1994, 136). For additional information on the Tunni, please consult the following Responses to Information Requests: SOM26230. E of 19 March 1997, SOM24715.E of 9 September 1996, SOM 20113.E of 11 April 1995 and SOM10720.E of 23 April 1992, 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.

Benadir Somali Association, Toronto. 18 June 1997. Telephone interview with representative.

Gilkes, Patrick. S. September 1994. The Price of Peace: Somalia and the United Nations 1991-1994. London: Save The Children Fund