Sanaag
Encyclopedia
Sanaag is an administrative region (gobolka
) in northern Somalia
. Its capital city is Erigavo.
Sanaag has a long coastline facing the Gulf of Aden
to the north, and is bordered by the Somali regions
of Woqooyi Galbeed
, Togdheer
, Sool
and Bari.
The most important towns in the region are Ceerigaabo
, Badhan
, Laasqoray, Dhahar
, Ceel Afweyn, Buraan
, Hadaaftimo
, Mindigale
, Xingalool, Yubbe
, Ceelbuh
, Damala Xagare
, Maydh
, Elaayo
and Gar Adag
.
Local control of Sanaag is disputed between Somaliland
, the autonomous Puntland
region, and HBM-SSC (Hoggaanka Badbaadada iyo Mideynta SSC), a local unionist group whose goal is the creation of its own regional administration (Sool, Sanaag and Cayn or SSC).
The Sanaag region and northern Somalia in general is home to numerous archaeological site
s, with ancient ruins, buildings and cairn
s found at Haylaan
, Qa’ableh
, Qombo'ul
, Maydh
and Elaayo
, among other places. However, many of these old structures have yet to be properly explored, a process which would help shed further light on local history and facilitate their preservation for posterity.
The Warsangali Sultanate was an imperial ruling house centered in northeastern and in some parts of southeastern Somalia. It was one of the largest sultanates ever established in the territory, and, at the height of its power, included the Sanaag region and parts of the northeastern Bari region of the country, an area historically known as Maakhir
or the Maakhir Coast. The Sultanate was founded in the late 13th century in northern Somalia by a group of Somalis
from the Warsangali
branch of the Darod
clan, and was ruled by the descendants of the Gerad Dhidhin
.
ethnic group, with the Warsangali
subdivision of the Harti Darod
especially well-represented.
in the region in the early part of the 21st century caused an 80% or greater loss of livestock, though two good rainy seasons
in 2004–2005 helped restore the area. Over a 15-year period of analysis, from 1988–2003, there was a 52% loss of forest
and a 40% loss of grassland
, and a 370% increase in bare land. Soil erosion
due to weather
and human activities and clearing of wood and brush for such uses as charcoal
and fuel are issues leading to a degradation of the environment.
, frankincense
, and leather for export, this was happening while the region lacked basic infrastructure
, but sadly, after the outbreak of civil war the region’s economy collapsed from loss of markets and dilapidated infrastructure
has never helped, and lack of investment. Now the region only supports one main economy, livestock
rearing. The Somali
livestock ban imposed by Gulf countries in which was Sanaag’s largest market has virtually destroyed the economy in the region, reducing purchasing power and forcing pastoralists in the region to survive on subsistence activities.
Sanaag is a disputed region, claimed as sovereign
territory by the two autonomous Somaliland
and Puntland
macro-regions of Somalia
.
The dispute between Somaliland and Puntland stems from 1998, when Puntland formed and declared the region as part of its territory. Prior to that, it had been claimed but with no control over the region by Somaliland since the 1991 events of the Somali Civil War
. In 1994, the historic USP political party was reinstated by Awad Ahmed Asharo, former party Chairmain of the main Warsangeli clan. With the support of Sanaag pro-union civil society, local admin and politicians, USP was subsequently recognized by UNISOM as the legitimate representative of Sanaag.
Beginning in 1998, after Puntland was formed, Sanaag was one of the regions of Puntland, with Sanaag elected politician given the Speaker of the House position in a power sharing agreement. Thus, both the police and army of Puntland were already established in the region based on the desires of the local population for their security and the territorial integrity of Somalia. The separatist Somaliland administration, however, still claimed the territory as part of the original but colonial boundary of British Somaliland. Fighting between the two forces led to casualties and captured prisoners, who were later exchanged. As a related contention, in 2005 Puntland tried to sell off mineral rights
to foreign investors
, including the disputed territories of Sool
and Sanaag.
The dispute with the TFG stems from the passage of the new Charter in November 2004. However, this was not a pragmatic issue until the military successes of the government in the 2006–2007 war in Somalia
. Assertions of sovereignty in January 2007 by the TFG leadership sparked riots in Somaliland, both for and against a reunification with the south.
On July 1, 2007, the state of Maakhir
was declared in the area. It claimed autonomy from both Puntland and Somaliland, but was eventually incorporated into Puntland in January 2009.
In the late 2000s, HBM-SSC (Hoggaanka Badbaadada iyo Mideynta SSC), a local unionist group whose goal is to establish its own regional administration (Sool, Sanaag and Cayn or SSC), was formed.
According to the Puntland administration, the Sanaag region consists of 10 districts with Badhan being the Capital of the region. The Transitional Federal government also recognizes Puntland as an official state so as its regions and districts. The Districts of Sanaag are:
According to the Somaliland administration, as of July 2002, Sanaag was formally divided into 10 districts, rated "A" through "D" in terms; districts graded "D" were limited, because "their district councils shall not be elected at first local government elections as their borders have not yet been delineated." Thus, under the 2005 elections for the lower house of Parliament, Sanaag was described as only having six districts. Here is the list of districts of Sanaag and their "Grade":
Regions of Somalia
Somalia is officially divided into eighteen administrative regions , which in turn are subdivided into districts. On a de facto basis, northern Somalia is now divided up among the autonomous states of Puntland and Somaliland...
) in northern Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
. Its capital city is Erigavo.
Sanaag has a long coastline facing the Gulf of Aden
Gulf of Aden
The Gulf of Aden is located in the Arabian Sea between Yemen, on the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and Somalia in the Horn of Africa. In the northwest, it connects with the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, which is about 20 miles wide....
to the north, and is bordered by the Somali regions
Regions of Somalia
Somalia is officially divided into eighteen administrative regions , which in turn are subdivided into districts. On a de facto basis, northern Somalia is now divided up among the autonomous states of Puntland and Somaliland...
of Woqooyi Galbeed
Woqooyi Galbeed
Woqooyi Galbeed, also known as Maroodi Jeex, is an administrative region in northwestern Somalia. It lies in the territory of Somaliland, a self-declared republic that is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia....
, Togdheer
Togdheer
Togdheer is an administrative region in northwestern Somalia. It lies in the territory of Somaliland, a self-declared republic that is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia.-Overview:...
, Sool
Sool
Sool is an administrative region in northern Somalia.-Overview:With its capital at Las Anod, Sool is historically known for being the seat of the anti-colonial Dervish movement....
and Bari.
The most important towns in the region are Ceerigaabo
Ceerigaabo
Erigavo or Erigabo is the administrative capital of the Sanaag region in northern Somalia.Local control is disputed between Somaliland, a self-declared independent republic that is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia, the autonomous Puntland region in northeastern...
, Badhan
Badhan, Sanaag
Badhan or Baran is a city and district in the Sanaag region, a territory in north Eastern Somalia. In July 2007, the district became the capital city of the autonomous Maakhir region of Somalia...
, Laasqoray, Dhahar
Dhahar
Dhahar is a district in the Sanaag region, a territory disputed by the Puntland and Somaliland administrative regions of Somalia...
, Ceel Afweyn, Buraan
Buraan
Buraan, also known as Hiil Buran, is one of the largest towns in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia. Along with Las Khorey and Hadaftimo, it is considered to be one of the oldest settlements in the province.-References:*...
, Hadaaftimo
Hadaaftimo
Hadaftimo is an historic town in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia. It is home to many archaeological sites and ancient buildings.-General:Hadaftimo was previously a part of Maakhir state...
, Mindigale
Mindigale
-History:Mindigale was previously a part of Maakhir state. In January 2009, the territory was officially incorporated into the autonomous Puntland region in the northeastern part of the country....
, Xingalool, Yubbe
Yubbe
Yubbe is a town in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia. It is situated in the Yubbe District.-History:...
, Ceelbuh
Ceelbuh
-Overview:El Buh is located in the El Buh District.In the late 2000s, the town was a part of the briefly-extant Maakhir state, before being officially incorporated into the autonomous Puntland region in 2009....
, Damala Xagare
Damala Xagare
Damala Xagare is a district in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia.-Overview:The district's name is derived from the root word "Damal", which means acacia woodland in the Somali language....
, Maydh
Maydh
Maydh is an ancient town in the Sanaag region of northern Somalia.Local control is disputed between Somaliland, a self-declared independent republic that is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia, the autonomous Puntland region in northeastern Somalia, and HBM-SSC , a local...
, Elaayo
Elaayo
Elaayo , also known as Elayo or Elayum, is an ancient coastal town in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia.-History:An old city, Elaayo is home to numerous archaeological sites and historic buildings, similar to those found in Las Khorey, another coastal town in Sanaag...
and Gar Adag
Gar Adag
Garadag is a town in the El Afweyn district of the northern Sanaag region of Somalia.-Overview:Garadag is located northwest of Xudun and east by road from War Idaad....
.
Local control of Sanaag is disputed between Somaliland
Somaliland
Somaliland is an unrecognised self-declared sovereign state that is internationally recognised as an autonomous region of Somalia. The government of Somaliland regards itself as the successor state to the British Somaliland protectorate, which was independent for a few days in 1960 as the State of...
, the autonomous Puntland
Puntland
Puntland , officially the Puntland State of Somalia , is a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998....
region, and HBM-SSC (Hoggaanka Badbaadada iyo Mideynta SSC), a local unionist group whose goal is the creation of its own regional administration (Sool, Sanaag and Cayn or SSC).
History
The Sanaag region and northern Somalia in general is home to numerous archaeological site
Archaeological site
An archaeological site is a place in which evidence of past activity is preserved , and which has been, or may be, investigated using the discipline of archaeology and represents a part of the archaeological record.Beyond this, the definition and geographical extent of a 'site' can vary widely,...
s, with ancient ruins, buildings and cairn
Cairn
Cairn is a term used mainly in the English-speaking world for a man-made pile of stones. It comes from the or . Cairns are found all over the world in uplands, on moorland, on mountaintops, near waterways and on sea cliffs, and also in barren desert and tundra areas...
s found at Haylaan
Haylaan
Haylaan, also known as Haylan, is an ancient town in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia.-Overview:An old settlement, Haylaan is the site of numerous ancient ruins and buildings, many of obscure origins. Northern Somalia in general is home to numerous such archaeological sites...
, Qa’ableh
Qa’ableh
Qa’ableh is a town in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia. It is the site of numerous archaeological structures and tombs.-Overview:Qa'ableh is located near the Haylaan historical ruins. An ancient city, it is home to numerous archaeological sites and structures, similar to those found in...
, Qombo'ul
Qombo'ul
-Overview:Qombo'ul lies approximately 40km east of Badhan, on the road to Bosaaso and west of the town of Mindigale.An old settlement, it is the site of quite a few ancient ruins, buildings and structures, many of obscure origins. Northern Somalia in general is home to numerous such archaeological...
, Maydh
Maydh
Maydh is an ancient town in the Sanaag region of northern Somalia.Local control is disputed between Somaliland, a self-declared independent republic that is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia, the autonomous Puntland region in northeastern Somalia, and HBM-SSC , a local...
and Elaayo
Elaayo
Elaayo , also known as Elayo or Elayum, is an ancient coastal town in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia.-History:An old city, Elaayo is home to numerous archaeological sites and historic buildings, similar to those found in Las Khorey, another coastal town in Sanaag...
, among other places. However, many of these old structures have yet to be properly explored, a process which would help shed further light on local history and facilitate their preservation for posterity.
The Warsangali Sultanate was an imperial ruling house centered in northeastern and in some parts of southeastern Somalia. It was one of the largest sultanates ever established in the territory, and, at the height of its power, included the Sanaag region and parts of the northeastern Bari region of the country, an area historically known as Maakhir
Maakhir
Maakhir , officially the Maakhir State of Somalia was an autonomous region in northern Somalia in an area disputed by the Somaliland and Puntland macro-regions. In January 2009, it was incorporated into Puntland.-Autonomy:...
or the Maakhir Coast. The Sultanate was founded in the late 13th century in northern Somalia by a group of Somalis
Somali people
Somalis are an ethnic group located in the Horn of Africa, also known as the Somali Peninsula. The overwhelming majority of Somalis speak the Somali language, which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family...
from the Warsangali
Warsangali
The Warsangeli , is a Somali clan, part of the Harti confederation of Darod sub-clans...
branch of the Darod
Darod
The Darod is a Somali clan. The father of this clan is named Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti, but is more commonly known as Darod. In the Somali language, the word Daarood means "an enclosed compound," a conflation of the two words daar and ood .The Darod population in Somalia lives principally...
clan, and was ruled by the descendants of the Gerad Dhidhin
Gerad Dhidhin
Gerad Dhidhin , also known as Gerad Abdulahi, was the founder of the Warsangali Sultanate in the late 13th century in the territory of present-day northern Somalia.-History:...
.
Demographics
The Sanaag region is mainly inhabited by people from the SomaliSomali people
Somalis are an ethnic group located in the Horn of Africa, also known as the Somali Peninsula. The overwhelming majority of Somalis speak the Somali language, which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family...
ethnic group, with the Warsangali
Warsangali
The Warsangeli , is a Somali clan, part of the Harti confederation of Darod sub-clans...
subdivision of the Harti Darod
Darod
The Darod is a Somali clan. The father of this clan is named Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti, but is more commonly known as Darod. In the Somali language, the word Daarood means "an enclosed compound," a conflation of the two words daar and ood .The Darod population in Somalia lives principally...
especially well-represented.
Climate
Sanaag has four zones: the coastal area, the mountain range, the gypsum karsts plateau and the Sool Haud plateau. The latter is rich in pasture and has better water quality. Except for the elevated area of Erigavo district where rainfall records indicate an annual average of up to 800 mm(see "Cal Madow" topic), rainfall generally does not exceed 150 mm in most of the region.Environment
A severe droughtDrought
A drought is an extended period of months or years when a region notes a deficiency in its water supply. Generally, this occurs when a region receives consistently below average precipitation. It can have a substantial impact on the ecosystem and agriculture of the affected region...
in the region in the early part of the 21st century caused an 80% or greater loss of livestock, though two good rainy seasons
Wet season
The the wet season, or rainy season, is the time of year, covering one or more months, when most of the average annual rainfall in a region occurs. The term green season is also sometimes used as a euphemism by tourist authorities. Areas with wet seasons are dispersed across portions of the...
in 2004–2005 helped restore the area. Over a 15-year period of analysis, from 1988–2003, there was a 52% loss of forest
Forest
A forest, also referred to as a wood or the woods, is an area with a high density of trees. As with cities, depending where you are in the world, what is considered a forest may vary significantly in size and have various classification according to how and what of the forest is composed...
and a 40% loss of grassland
Grassland
Grasslands are areas where the vegetation is dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants . However, sedge and rush families can also be found. Grasslands occur naturally on all continents except Antarctica...
, and a 370% increase in bare land. Soil erosion
Erosion
Erosion is when materials are removed from the surface and changed into something else. It only works by hydraulic actions and transport of solids in the natural environment, and leads to the deposition of these materials elsewhere...
due to weather
Weather
Weather is the state of the atmosphere, to the degree that it is hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or stormy, clear or cloudy. Most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere, just below the stratosphere. Weather refers, generally, to day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity, whereas climate...
and human activities and clearing of wood and brush for such uses as charcoal
Charcoal
Charcoal is the dark grey residue consisting of carbon, and any remaining ash, obtained by removing water and other volatile constituents from animal and vegetation substances. Charcoal is usually produced by slow pyrolysis, the heating of wood or other substances in the absence of oxygen...
and fuel are issues leading to a degradation of the environment.
Economy
In recent history, the Sanaag region normally maintained a diverse economy, producing and then exporting to other regions, it produced livestockLivestock
Livestock refers to one or more domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities such as food, fiber and labor. The term "livestock" as used in this article does not include poultry or farmed fish; however the inclusion of these, especially poultry, within the meaning...
, frankincense
Frankincense
Frankincense, also called olibanum , is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, particularly Boswellia sacra, B. carteri, B. thurifera, B. frereana, and B. bhaw-dajiana...
, and leather for export, this was happening while the region lacked basic infrastructure
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, or the services and facilities necessary for an economy to function...
, but sadly, after the outbreak of civil war the region’s economy collapsed from loss of markets and dilapidated infrastructure
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, or the services and facilities necessary for an economy to function...
has never helped, and lack of investment. Now the region only supports one main economy, livestock
Livestock
Livestock refers to one or more domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities such as food, fiber and labor. The term "livestock" as used in this article does not include poultry or farmed fish; however the inclusion of these, especially poultry, within the meaning...
rearing. The Somali
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
livestock ban imposed by Gulf countries in which was Sanaag’s largest market has virtually destroyed the economy in the region, reducing purchasing power and forcing pastoralists in the region to survive on subsistence activities.
Territorial dispute
Sovereignty
Sovereignty is the quality of having supreme, independent authority over a geographic area, such as a territory. It can be found in a power to rule and make law that rests on a political fact for which no purely legal explanation can be provided...
territory by the two autonomous Somaliland
Somaliland
Somaliland is an unrecognised self-declared sovereign state that is internationally recognised as an autonomous region of Somalia. The government of Somaliland regards itself as the successor state to the British Somaliland protectorate, which was independent for a few days in 1960 as the State of...
and Puntland
Puntland
Puntland , officially the Puntland State of Somalia , is a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998....
macro-regions of Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
.
The dispute between Somaliland and Puntland stems from 1998, when Puntland formed and declared the region as part of its territory. Prior to that, it had been claimed but with no control over the region by Somaliland since the 1991 events of the Somali Civil War
Somali Civil War
The Somali Civil War is an ongoing civil war taking place in Somalia. The conflict, which began in 1991, has caused destabilisation throughout the country, with the current phase of the conflict seeing the Somali government losing substantial control of the state to rebel forces...
. In 1994, the historic USP political party was reinstated by Awad Ahmed Asharo, former party Chairmain of the main Warsangeli clan. With the support of Sanaag pro-union civil society, local admin and politicians, USP was subsequently recognized by UNISOM as the legitimate representative of Sanaag.
Beginning in 1998, after Puntland was formed, Sanaag was one of the regions of Puntland, with Sanaag elected politician given the Speaker of the House position in a power sharing agreement. Thus, both the police and army of Puntland were already established in the region based on the desires of the local population for their security and the territorial integrity of Somalia. The separatist Somaliland administration, however, still claimed the territory as part of the original but colonial boundary of British Somaliland. Fighting between the two forces led to casualties and captured prisoners, who were later exchanged. As a related contention, in 2005 Puntland tried to sell off mineral rights
Mineral rights
- Mineral estate :Ownership of mineral rights is an estate in real property. Technically it is known as a mineral estate and often referred to as mineral rights...
to foreign investors
Investment
Investment has different meanings in finance and economics. Finance investment is putting money into something with the expectation of gain, that upon thorough analysis, has a high degree of security for the principal amount, as well as security of return, within an expected period of time...
, including the disputed territories of Sool
Sool
Sool is an administrative region in northern Somalia.-Overview:With its capital at Las Anod, Sool is historically known for being the seat of the anti-colonial Dervish movement....
and Sanaag.
The dispute with the TFG stems from the passage of the new Charter in November 2004. However, this was not a pragmatic issue until the military successes of the government in the 2006–2007 war in Somalia
War in Somalia (2006–present)
The War in Somalia was an armed conflict involving largely Ethiopian and Somali Transitional Federal Government forces and Somali troops from Puntland versus the Somali Islamist umbrella group, the Islamic Court Union , and other affiliated militias for control of the country. There is a clear...
. Assertions of sovereignty in January 2007 by the TFG leadership sparked riots in Somaliland, both for and against a reunification with the south.
On July 1, 2007, the state of Maakhir
Maakhir
Maakhir , officially the Maakhir State of Somalia was an autonomous region in northern Somalia in an area disputed by the Somaliland and Puntland macro-regions. In January 2009, it was incorporated into Puntland.-Autonomy:...
was declared in the area. It claimed autonomy from both Puntland and Somaliland, but was eventually incorporated into Puntland in January 2009.
In the late 2000s, HBM-SSC (Hoggaanka Badbaadada iyo Mideynta SSC), a local unionist group whose goal is to establish its own regional administration (Sool, Sanaag and Cayn or SSC), was formed.
Districts
According to the federal government of Somalia, prior 1991, Sanaag was divided into 5 Districts which are as follows:- BadhanBadhan, SanaagBadhan or Baran is a city and district in the Sanaag region, a territory in north Eastern Somalia. In July 2007, the district became the capital city of the autonomous Maakhir region of Somalia...
- Ceel Afwayn
- CeerigaaboCeerigaaboErigavo or Erigabo is the administrative capital of the Sanaag region in northern Somalia.Local control is disputed between Somaliland, a self-declared independent republic that is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia, the autonomous Puntland region in northeastern...
- DhaharDhaharDhahar is a district in the Sanaag region, a territory disputed by the Puntland and Somaliland administrative regions of Somalia...
- Laasqoray
According to the Puntland administration, the Sanaag region consists of 10 districts with Badhan being the Capital of the region. The Transitional Federal government also recognizes Puntland as an official state so as its regions and districts. The Districts of Sanaag are:
- Erigavo
- MindigaleMindigale-History:Mindigale was previously a part of Maakhir state. In January 2009, the territory was officially incorporated into the autonomous Puntland region in the northeastern part of the country....
- Habar-shiroHabar-shiroHabarshiro is one of the largest towns in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia. It is a relatively new settlement in comparison to other cities in the province.-References:*...
- HadaaftimoHadaaftimoHadaftimo is an historic town in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia. It is home to many archaeological sites and ancient buildings.-General:Hadaftimo was previously a part of Maakhir state...
- Xingalol
- DhaharDhaharDhahar is a district in the Sanaag region, a territory disputed by the Puntland and Somaliland administrative regions of Somalia...
- BuraanBuraanBuraan, also known as Hiil Buran, is one of the largest towns in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia. Along with Las Khorey and Hadaftimo, it is considered to be one of the oldest settlements in the province.-References:*...
- Xabasha Wacle
- BadhanBadhan, SanaagBadhan or Baran is a city and district in the Sanaag region, a territory in north Eastern Somalia. In July 2007, the district became the capital city of the autonomous Maakhir region of Somalia...
- Las KhoreyLas KhoreyLas Khorey is an ancient coastal city in the Sanaag region, a territory disputed by the Puntland and Somaliland administrative regions of Somalia. In July 2007, the district became part of the Maakhir autonomous region of Somalia...
- Kaladhacda
- CeelbuhCeelbuh-Overview:El Buh is located in the El Buh District.In the late 2000s, the town was a part of the briefly-extant Maakhir state, before being officially incorporated into the autonomous Puntland region in 2009....
- MindigaleMindigale-History:Mindigale was previously a part of Maakhir state. In January 2009, the territory was officially incorporated into the autonomous Puntland region in the northeastern part of the country....
According to the Somaliland administration, as of July 2002, Sanaag was formally divided into 10 districts, rated "A" through "D" in terms; districts graded "D" were limited, because "their district councils shall not be elected at first local government elections as their borders have not yet been delineated." Thus, under the 2005 elections for the lower house of Parliament, Sanaag was described as only having six districts. Here is the list of districts of Sanaag and their "Grade":
- Erigavo (A)
- El-AfweynEl-AfweynEl Afweyn is a town in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia. With a population of about 65,000 inhabitants, it is the third largest city in the province. El Afweyn is predominantly inhabited by people from the Somali ethnic group, with the Habar Yoonis, Sacad Yoonis and Habar Jeclo especially...
(A) - BadhanBadhan, SanaagBadhan or Baran is a city and district in the Sanaag region, a territory in north Eastern Somalia. In July 2007, the district became the capital city of the autonomous Maakhir region of Somalia...
(B) - Lasqoray (A)
- DhaharDhaharDhahar is a district in the Sanaag region, a territory disputed by the Puntland and Somaliland administrative regions of Somalia...
(B) - Gar-adag (C)
- DararweyneDararweyne-References:*...
(B) - MaydhMaydhMaydh is an ancient town in the Sanaag region of northern Somalia.Local control is disputed between Somaliland, a self-declared independent republic that is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia, the autonomous Puntland region in northeastern Somalia, and HBM-SSC , a local...
(B) - Xingalool (B)
- CeelbuhCeelbuh-Overview:El Buh is located in the El Buh District.In the late 2000s, the town was a part of the briefly-extant Maakhir state, before being officially incorporated into the autonomous Puntland region in 2009....
(D) - Godcanood (B)
- YufleYufleYufle is a district in the Central Sanaag region of Somalia with estimated population of 15000 people.The city is populated by the Habar Yoonis Muuse Ismaacil clan....
(B) - Jidale (B)
- BuraanBuraanBuraan, also known as Hiil Buran, is one of the largest towns in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia. Along with Las Khorey and Hadaftimo, it is considered to be one of the oldest settlements in the province.-References:*...
(C) - HadaaftimoHadaaftimoHadaftimo is an historic town in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia. It is home to many archaeological sites and ancient buildings.-General:Hadaftimo was previously a part of Maakhir state...
(C) - MadhishoMadhishoMadhisho is a city in the northwestern Sanaag region of Somalia. The city is populated by the Habar Yoonis clan....
(C) - XiisXiisXiis, also spelled Heis or Hais, is a town on the coast of the northern Sanaag region of Somalia.-History:Xiis is said to be identical with the ancient trade post called Mundu that is mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, an anonymous account by an Alexandrian salesman from the 1st...
(D) - YubbeYubbeYubbe is a town in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia. It is situated in the Yubbe District.-History:...
(B)
Notable Sanaagians
- Mohamoud Ali ShireMohamoud Ali ShireMohamoud Ali Shire was a Somali ruler. He was the 20th Sultan of the Warsangali Sultanate from 1897 to 1960.-Titles:Also known as the Gerad, the Sultan was the sole regent and governor of the sultanate. He also enjoyed many other titles, including "Sovereign of the House of North East of...
, Sultan of former British Somaliland (1897–1960) - Faarax Maxamed Jaamac CawlFaarax Maxamed Jaamac CawlFarah Mohamed Jama Awl , usually credited as Faarax M.J. Cawl, was a Somali writer. His surname Cawl means "gazelle", which was the nickname of his great-grandfather who was the Sultan of the Warsangali clan. The Awl family also includes the Warsangali Sultan Mohamoud Ali Shire.-Biography:Awl was...
, writer - Jama KorshelJama KorshelJama Korshel was a Somali army Major General, former Head of the Somali Police Force, and one of the leaders of Somalia's 1969 coup d'état.-Biography:Korshel was born in the town of Ceerigaabo situated in the northern Sanaag region of Somalia....
, Somali Army General, former Head of Somali Police and one of the leaders of 1969 coup d'état of Somalia - Hasan HayleHasan HayleXasan Xayle, also known as Hasan Hayle , was a famous Somali poet from the Sanaag region of Somalia.Born in Laasqoray in 1888, Xayle wrote many poems, one of the most famous being Cabasha Laasqoray ....
(Xasan Xayle), poet from Las KhoreyLas KhoreyLas Khorey is an ancient coastal city in the Sanaag region, a territory disputed by the Puntland and Somaliland administrative regions of Somalia. In July 2007, the district became part of the Maakhir autonomous region of Somalia... - Fatima JibrellFatima JibrellFatima Jibrell is a prominent Somali-American environmental activist. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Horn of Africa Relief and Development Organization , co-founder of Sun Fire Cooking, and was instrumental in the creation of the Women’s Coalition for Peace.-Biography:Jibrell...
, founder of the Horn of Africa Relief and Development Organization (Horn Relief) - Mohamed Nuur GiriigMohamed Nuur GiriigMohamed Nuur Giriig was a Somali singer, specializing in traditional Somali music.-Biography:Giriig was born in 1935 in Berbera, Somalia to a Warsangali Darod family, originally from Las Khorey on the Maakhir Coast....
, classical singer - Abdillahi Mohammed AhmedAbdillahi Mohammed AhmedAbdillahi Mohamed Ahmed "Qablan":Hon. Abdillahi was born in 1926 in Las Khorey. He was taken to Aden at the age of five and had Quranic and Elementary education there. At the age of thirteen he went into business and began to rise in this career step by step until he became Branch Manager for the...
, known as Qablan, former Under-Secretary of Finance - Abdullahi Ahmed Jama ‘Ilkajir’ Somali Army General and Interior Minister of Puntland,2009–Present
External links
- Warsangeli Sultanate
- Ethiopian Internet Newsletter, The Eritrea-Ethiopia Conflict Webpage, Issue No. 10
- Gwillim Law, "Districts of Somalia", Statoids, December 31, 1990
- Laasqorey port
- Togdheer News Network (in Somaliland).
- Hadaaftimo.com
- Makhir.com
- LaasQoray.net
- RadioSanaag.com
- Dhahar.com
- AllSanaag.com
- Kismaayo
- The Birth of the Somaliland Protectorate's own Postage Stamps (PDFPortable Document FormatPortable Document Format is an open standard for document exchange. This file format, created by Adobe Systems in 1993, is used for representing documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems....
file). - puntlandgovt
- somalilandgov
- Sanaag.org