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Somalia 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. The same methods were used as against the Majeerteen--
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
1,000, including women and children, were alleged to have been
bayoneted to death.
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