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Diagram 10: Majeerteen Genealogy


Under the British administration the Harti became a strong mercantile class in Kismayo. They were also the first Somali employees of the British administration, thereby establishing themselves as an educated urban professional class. They maintained this position under the Italians, when Kismayo was ceded to them in 1926. The Harti therefore claim long-term settlement and trading rights in Kismayo, and cite as evidence the 1968 elections, when the four MPs from Kismayo were all Harti.

Hawiye interests in Kismayo are based on the presence of Galgaal in the area. They were displaced into the area earlier this century, having been driven southwards by the Rahanweyne. Other Hawiye clans, such as the Xawadle and Sheikal, are more recent residents in the region. Frequent land disputes between the Majeerteen and the Ogadenis took place in the early part of this century. In one famous battle some 80 Harti were killed. The Ogadenis refer to the area of the battle as 'lafara ha tiga' ('the bones of Harti'), while the Harti refer to it as 'lafara ha rage' ('the bones of men'). Jubaland was also the scene of frequent fights between the Awlihan/Ogaden and the Marehan in the first two decades of this century.

At the time when Kismayo was ceded to Italy, the British are said to have enforced an agreement between the Harti and Ogadenis. According to the Ogaden, the agreement found in favour of the Ogadenis, giving their Sultan Ahmed Magan overall authority in Jubaland. This has now passed to his grandson Sultan Abdi Ali 'Songkor'. According to the Harti, the agreements stipulated that the Ogaden (mainly Mohamed Zubeir) should stay north of what is now the Liboi-Kismayo road, while the area south of this remained under the control of the Harti. By this agreement the Mohamed Zubeir Ogaden were also given access to the port.21

Traditionally, the ethnographer focuses attention on a community, selecting knowledgeable informants who know well the activities of the community.[10] These informants are typically asked to identify other informants who represent the community, often using chain sampling.[10] This process is often effective in revealing common cultural common denominators connected to the topic being studied.[10] Ethnography relies greatly on up-close, personal experience. Participation, rather than just observation, is one of the keys to this process.[11] Ethnography is very useful in social research.

Mark Bradbury trained in anthropology, rural development and conflict analysis. He worked in Sudan from 1983-88 as a teacher and with ActionAid and was then country director with ActionAid in Somalia until 1992. Mark now works as a freelance social analyst for a wide range of organizations, including ACORD, ActionAid, OXFAM, Overseas Development Institute, UNICEF, UNDP, DFID, Conciliation Resources and others. He has extensive experience in conflict situations, particularly in the Horn of Africa, West Africa and Kosovo, where he has done many field studies and evaluations. Mark's publications include studies on Somalia, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Kosovo, conflict and development, conflict resolution, human rights and complex emergencies.

Lets give the city to Habar Gedir