Somalia: Information on the situation of the Galgalo (follow-up to SOM9977)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 March 1993 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | SOM13268 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Somalia: Information on the situation of the Galgalo (follow-up to SOM9977), 1 March 1993, SOM13268, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab966c.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
In addition to the information provided in the Response to Information Request SOM9977 of 30 December 1991, please find attached two articles that mention the Galgalo and their conflict with the Abgal or Abgal subgroups in early 1991.
A source familiar with clan relations in Somalia stated that the Galgalo is a small group that has long coexisted peacefully with the Abgal (3 Mar. 1993). Some Galgalo, however, appear to have been used by Siad Barre to oppose the Abgal (see also the attached article from Africa Confidential listed below, which reports claims by Abgal subgroups that Siad Barre provided arms to the Galgalo). This prompted fighting between the Abgal and the Galgalo, particularly in the months preceding the overthrow of Siad Barre (Ibid.). The remaining Galgalo apparently were evicted or fled the areas they had traditionally inhabited and shared with the Abgal (Ibid.).
Additional and/or corroborating information could not be found among the sources currently available to the DIRB.
References
Centre for Italian Scholastic and Technical Organizations (COSTI), Toronto. 3 March 1993. Telephone Interview with Manager.
Attachments
Africa Confidential [London]. 8 February 1991. Vol. 32, No. 3. "Somalia: Where Do We Go From Here?" Miramoor Publications Ltd.
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 3 January 1991. "Somalia: Confused Situation in Mogadishu Fighting." (NEXIS)