it is called "dhaqan"
----"3.11. Gedo region
In the Gedo region, clan elders enjoy greater respect and authority than in many other parts of
southern Somalia. Hence, politically speaking, there is a relatively well-run administration at
district level. The region's local authorities thus cooperate closely with local clan elders, business
people and the SNF. All districts have district councils, most of them appointed by the SNF. Some
districts have also, with the assistance of the UN Somalia Rehabilitation Project (UNOPS), set up
development management groups (DMGs) to help run local development projects
According to Ken Menkhaus, there can found, in some of the region's districts, commitment and
authority comparable to those met with in north-eastern and north-western Somalia."----
.
------""4.2.2. Councils of elders
Despite being eclipsed by local militia leaders in some parts of Somalia, councils of elders remain a
dominant institution in most parts, according to the Human Development Report, Somalia 1998. In
principle, all married men in a clan are entitled to speak at the clan assembly ("shir"). This is why
the Somalia of the nomads is often referred to as a pastoral democracy.
The membership of clan councils of elders usually comprises a number of prominent figures from
the clan. They may be selected in various ways, some being well-off while others are known for
their oratory, their militarily or economically powerful family or their well-educated background.
Councils of elders tend often, however, to be more reactive than proactive. Where a council of
elders consists of socially responsible members, though, it will frequently be in a position to ensure
the security of a given area's population.
In some Somali communities there is a hierarchy of elders, as in the Gedo region, where the
Marehan clan has its own "king" (ugaas) at the head of the clan hierarchy."
"4.2.3. Marehan clans' ugaas
Kenneth Menkhaus explained that Ugaas Omar Ugaas Hirsi represented all Marehan subclans and
was unchallenged by any clan factions within the Marehan clan. He described the role of the ugaas
in the reconciliation process as "crucial". The ugaas was a kind of king of the Marehan clans in the
Gedo region, enjoying the utmost authority among Gedo's Marehan clans.
Barry Sesnan, Area Manager (Gedo region) for the UNOPS/SRP, reported that the ugaas was
indisputably an authority, adding nevertheless that young Marehan in particular often doubted his
intellectual capacity as well as questioning the guidance given him. Despite this, non-one denied
his authority and everyone responded to a summons from the ugaas.
This was confirmed by the District Commissioner of Luuq, Mohamed Mohamud Aden, who added
that he was backed up by the chiefs, described as "peace lords", leading the Marehan subclans."
"4.2.4. Political leadership
Overall political leadership of the Gedo region is exercised by the SNF Central Committee, which
has set up an Executive Committee, also known as the Standing Committee, for that purpose. Its
leadership embraces the Marehan-dominated part of the Galgaduud region in eastern Somalia as
well.
The SNF, according to Mohamed Mohamud Aden, was a Marehan-based political front. However,
both Andrew Fitzgibbon and Abdishakur Othowai pointed out that non-Marehan clans could also
join the SNF, which was considered fully in control of the Gedo region. The SNF's top body was
its Congress, headed by the SNF's Chairman, Omar Hagi, with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman
of the SNF being appointed by its Congress."-------
