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Oppression of the Isaaq
The
Isaaq as a clan-family occupy the northern portion of the country. Three
major cities are predominantly, if not exclusively, Isaaq: Hargeysa, the
second largest city in Somalia until it was razed during disturbances in
1988; Burao in the interior, also destroyed by the military; and the port of
Berbera. Formed in London on April 6, 1981, by 400 to 500 Isaaq emigrés, the
Somali National Movement (SNM) remained an Isaaq clan-family organization
dedicated to ridding the country of Siad Barre. The
Isaaq felt deprived both as a clan and as a region, and Isaaq outbursts
against the central government had occurred sporadically since independence.
The SNM launched a military campaign in 1988, capturing Burao on May 27 and
part of Hargeysa on May 31. Government forces bombarded the towns heavily in
June, forcing the SNM to withdraw and causing more than 300,000 Isaaq to
flee to Ethiopia.
The military regime conducted savage reprisals against the Isaaq.
Destruction of water wells and grazing grounds and raping of women. An
estimated 5,000 Isaaq were killed between May 27 and the end of December
1988. About 4,000 died in the fighting, but Over 1,000, including women and
children, were alleged to have been bayoneted to death.
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EAST AFRICA
SOMALILAND
Online
DJIBOUTI
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