LAND DISPUTE IN ERIGAVO DISTRICT: THE GAHEYLE ISSUE In Erigavo district, the most contentious land issue involves two much inter-married and territorially mixed dia-paying groups: the Abdi Hamud (Habar Yonis) and Gaheyle (claiming Majerten origin- Sawaqron). Their land which is situated north of Erigavo town, contains irrigated farmlands along the usually narrow, steep valleys that drain the escarpment. Not favourable for fruit and vegetable production due to shortage of water or arable land, the bulk of the mountain terrain occupied by the two groups offers range resources pastured by livestock, while the precipitous mountain chains grow frankincense plants that yield commercial resin. Although free access to pastoral resources found in the frankincense area is observed, incense trees are owned property, and are therefore subject to control rights similar to those over agricultural land. All these resources were exploited, in varying combinations, by the diverse families which belong to the two rival lineages prior to the turmoil. The Gaheyle were entirely displaced after the termination of the civil war at the beginning of 1991. They have fled to neighbouring Majerten-dominated Bosaso region where they still languish as un-official refugees. No direct negotiation has so far taken place between the Abdi Hamud and dispossessed Gaheyle. This contrasts with the good relations the Warsangeli have had with the dominant Habar Yonis in Erigavo region, and their improving relations with the Dhulbahante- a positive achievement of the sustained bilateral peace discourse. However, the Gaheyle participated in some of the peace talks that were taken on by non-Habar Yonis clans, most important was the Garadag peace forum. The proclaimed Eastern Alliance that amalgamated the rival Habar Tol jelo and the dispossessed Harti clans appears to have the underlying objective of grouping against the dominant Habar Yonis. Membership of this alliance which was suspected and feared by the Habar Yonis until recently adversely affected the peace opportunity of the Gaheyle. Thus the Gaheyle are accused of playing the Darod card instead of entering into direct negotiations with their counterparts. Rumours of a Gaheyle desire to enter negotiations with the Habar Yonis in the presence of Majerten or alternatively Warsangeli and Dhulbahante, were rampant during the research. Unfortunately peace prospects for the Gaheyle still remain discouraging, as evidenced by their absence form the current important regional meeting in Erigavo, whose stated grand objective is to settle difficult outstanding issues between major clans. The Warsangeli and Dhulbahante clans participating in the meeting expressed their concern by asking the Habar Yonis what their intention was towards the Gaheyle. The Habar Yonis expressed its opinion, which favours direct negotiation between the concerned parties. They claim that negotiations with the Gaheyle should follow the process other negotiations had gone through- gradual and face-to-face. At the beginning of August, the Habar Yonis selected a fifteen member committee dominated by Abdi Hamud lineage to start negotiations with the Gaheyle at Yubbe. A Warsangeli emissary was sent to convey the move to Gaheyle who responded that they are not prepared to accept the proposal. Gaheyle solidarity with the rival Darod and its support to the suspected Eastern Alliance, certainly account as secondary factors discouraging the pace of the peace dialogue between this lineage and Abdi Hamud. The former is accused of having committed vicious atrocities against the Abdi Hamud in particular, and the Habar Yonis in general during the civil war. Their devoted support for the defeated Darod dominated military regime was said to have been unparalleled. As local residents, they knew the area very well and therefore provided the government forces with strategic information that was used against the Habar Yonis. Although the Gaheyle had an Akil and therefore functioned as an independent dia-paying group, in effect their small number reduced them to a lowly status among the dominant Abdi Hamud in Habar Yonis controlled homeland. To improve their status and attain total independence, they supported the government forces which were dominated by the Darod with whom they claim common descent. The Jibrail lineage represent the second important minority group in Erigavo district. They claim Ogaden descent, but unlike the Gaheyle did not offer support to the military government in the civil war. Therefore, they now live in harmony in their homelands with Habar Yonis. In common with the displaced Gaheyle, they have an Akil and enjoy independent status in spite of the fact that they occupy a lowly status as a result of their small number. The "occupational" groups that were dispersed among the Habar Yonis clans are now largely absent from their home areas. They are in a similar position to the Gaheyle because of their past alliance with the military forces. Like the Gaheyle, the acceptance of their return to original areas may have to wait until the last, presumably after other disputes between the major clans are resolved. The Abdi Hamud and the Habar Yonis in general do not deny the land rights of the displaced Gaheyle and other minority groups. Indeed the Gaheyle and Jibrail, among others, are considered as the original settlers in Erigavo region. Their limited strength reduces their capacity to act as a potential threat to the dominant group and explains the absence of any peace progress so far. Therefore, the more powerful groups have a better chance to see their grievances attended to, as the Dhulbahante and Warsangeli peace developments relating to the dominant Habar Yonis illustrate.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 19:12:47 +0000
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