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'Maakhir' is a self-proclaimed autonomous state within Somalia on area disputed by Somaliland and Puntland. Declared in July 1, 2007, it remains unrecognized by the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.

Contents

Autonomy

History

Conflicts with Puntland over Charcoal

Administrative divisions

Regions and Districts

Cities and towns

Politics and government

Government

State Secretaries

Recognition

Image Gallery

References

Autonomy

Area of Maakhir is mainly inhabited by the Warsangali clan, a member of the Harti confederation of clans (along with the Dhulbahante and Majeerteen) and a clan of the Darod tribe. The Warsangali were originally one of the principal actors in the creation of the Puntland State as a successor to the Harti Sultanates after the collapse of the central government in Somalia in 1991, but since the proclamation of the autonomous Puntland in 1998, the Warsangali have been increasingly sidelined as the Majeerteen clan has assumed a hegemonic role in the state.^[1]
Maakhir State proclaimed autonomy at a 1 July 2007 ceremony in Badhan in response to overlapping claims of both Somaliland and Puntland over the western Sanaag, which has led to several conflicts over control of the territory between Somaliland and Puntland.^[2] Puntland and Somaliland have both signed oil concessions in this part of Sanaag, without the consent of the local leadership, which also contributed to the desire of the local Warsangali to administer their own affairs, as well as resolve disputes with Mohamud Muse Hersi, the current President of Puntland.
^[3] In addition to most of Sanaag, Maakhir is also claiming western parts of the Bari region from Puntland.
Neither Somaliland or Puntland has recognised the new state. Despite rumored talks with Ali Mohammed Ghedi, the Prime Minister of Somalia, the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia has declined to comment the status of Maakhir and seems to regard Puntland as the official authority on the region.^[4]

History

Maakhir State of Somalia claims to be the descendant of the Sultanate of Mohamoud Ali Shire (Warsangali Sultanate) which is the oldest sultanate in Somalia with a rich history and heritage. The old capital of the Warsangali sultanate was Las Khorey.
The Sultanate of Mohamoud Ali Shire was considered by colonial authorities as having largely hegemonic authority over the other Harti sultanates, and the Warsangali played a large role in 19th century administration of Italian and British Somaliland. As the 20th century began however, the British and Italians ended the independence of the semi-independent Sultanates, and the Harti Confederation was dissolved in the midst of Italian and British rule, ending the traditional role of the Warsangali.
After independence, the Majeerteen emerged as the leaders of the Harti group. The Warsangali have however maintained their preeminent position as the traditional leaders of the Harti. This has challenged Puntland's attempts to assert its authority in Sanaag.

Conflicts with Puntland over Charcoal

Maakhir banned charcoal production due to the desertification it causes to the fragile Somali environment. Puntland has ignored the ban and sent several expeditions into Maakhir, with Puntland militia protecting the charcoal traders.. Clashes between Puntland militias escorting charcoal traders and Maakhir militias attempting to stop charcoal production have occurred numerous times since the ban, in Mijayahan^[5], Wa'iye and Sarmanyo.^[6]
Puntland has publicly stated it does not recognize Maakhir, and still considers Sanaag and western Bari as their territory.^[7] The demand for charcoal from Arab gulf states, sometimes referred to as the "Black Gem" due to its profitability, has fueled the clashes.

Administrative divisions

Border Disputes
Maakhir claims the following cities, but the actual status is highly contentious and in dispute. ★ 'Disputed with Puntland' ★ ★ Bosaso - Puntland's commercial capital, the largest city in the region. ★ ★ Puntland in turn claims the entirety of Maakhir ★ 'Disputed with Somaliland' ★ ★ Ceerigaabo - Maakhir controls the eastern and southern parts of the city, but claims the whole city. ★ ★ Mait - Ancient port near Ceerigaabo, claimed by Maakhir but administered by Somaliland. Mait is culturally important to the Isaaq.

Regions and Districts

Maakhir claims the following administrative divisions currently regarded under its control:

★ 'Sanaag'

★
★ Badhan - Capital of Maakhir

★
★ Hadaaftimo

★
★ Hingalol

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★ Las Khorey

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★ Yube

★
★ Damala-Xagare

★
★ Ceelbuh

★
★ Carmale

★ 'Heylaan'

★
★ Ceelaayo

★
★ Dhahar - Regional Capital

★
★ Bali-Busle

★
★ Baragaha Qol

★
★ Buraan - Maakhir Authority is planning to open a University in this city.

★ 'Western Bari'

★
★ Galgala

★
★ Karin

★
★ Ceel-Doofaar

★
★ Majayaha - A mining town.

★
★ Laag

★
★ Carmo

★
★ Qaw

★
★ Jiingada

Cities and towns

The biggest cities in the area claimed by Maakhir are Badhan, Las Khorey, Dhahar, Buraan, Hadaftimo, Hingalol, Damalla-Hagare, Eilbuh and Ceerigaabo.

Politics and government

Parliamentary Seats
As Somali are a largely nomadic people, parliamentary seats are designated by lineage and clan, this being their constituency.[8]
Warsangeli Seats
Subclan Seats Location Adan Sa'iid 4 Laasqoray, Sanaag Coast Bah-Majeerteen 3 Badhan, Eilbuh, Hadaaftimo, Central Sanaag Gashanbur 2 Buraan, East Sanaag Warlabe 1 Badhan, Central Sanaag Reer Saalah 1 Midigale, Central Sanaag Muhumud 1 Shinbirale, Western Sanaag Rer Faatah 1 Badhan, Central Sanaag) Ogayslabe 1 Laasqoray, Sanaag Coast Nouh Omar 2 Erigavo, Gelweyte, near Mait, North Sanaag Bahogayslabe 1 Erigavo, Damale Haggare, Western Sanaag Bahidoor 1 Hingalool, South Sanaag Jibrel Sa'iid 1 Erigavo, Western Sanaag Adan Yakub 1 Hingalool, South Sanaag Dubays 9 Dhahar, Elayo, Bosaso, Galgala in Eastern Sanaag and Western Bari Awramale 5 Kismayo, Bulo Haji
Other Seats
Minority Group Seats Location Women 3 Not specified Dir clans 2 Laasqoray, Erigavo

The disputed status between Puntland and Somaliland has also meant that Sanaag as a whole may not have received all the available and apportioned aid from non-governmental organizations (NGO)s and aid agencies. The newly established Maakhir government has made this issue one of their first priorities, and appealed to the Warsangali Diaspora for assistance.^[9]

Government

The two branches of government in Maakhir (the Parliament and the Executive) are led by:

★ 'President Jibrell Ali Salad' - President of Maakhir

★ 'Mr. Ahmed Guure' - The House of Representative Speaker

State Secretaries

Maakhir State of Somalia has 17 State secretaries.
President Salad appointed 7 people to his cabinet on the 4 August, 2007^[10], 'Mr. Ahmed Sheikh Salah' resigned from cabinet due to health reasons, and 4 more secretaries were added on September 8, 2007, then another 7 on September 8 2007^[11] establishing the following State Secretaries (called Xoghayaashan in Somali):

★ 'Mr. Ahmed Hussein Yuusuf' - Secretary State for Interior and Security Department

★ 'Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Omar' - Secretary State for Housing.

★ 'Mr. Ahmed Faarah Ali' - Secretary State for Finance and Commerce.

★ 'Mr. Iimaan Haji Warsame Faarah' - Secretary of State for Environment.

★ 'Mr. Mohamud Mohamed Iise' - Secretary of State for Social and Labor & Employers affairs.

★ 'Mr. Sa'iid Du'aale Mohamed' - Secretary of State for Transports.

★ 'Mr. Sadik Abdi Misan' - Secretary of State for Natural Resources

★ 'Mr. Ali Sa'iid Osmaan Qodah' - Secretary of State for Trade and Manufacturing

★ 'Mr. Abdurrahman Sa'iid Ahmed' - Secretary of State for International Relations

★ 'Prof. Ali Abdurrahman Hirsi' - Secretary of State for Federal relations

★ 'Prof. Mohamed Ali Mohamed' - Secretary of State for reconciliation and peace affairs.

★ 'Mr. Omar Liibaan Arab' - Secretary of State for justice and Religious affairs.

★ 'Ms. Zainab Ismaa'iil Mohamed' - Secretary of State for Family welfare.

★ 'Dr. Ahmed Ali Mire' - Secretary of State for Agricultures and Livestock

★ 'Mr. Abdulkadir Mohamed Sa'iid' - Secretary of State for Fishing and marine resources.

★ 'Eng. Abdirizak Ali Mohamed (Black)' - Secretary of State for Media and Culture.

★ 'Mr. Ali Mohamud Nuur (Ali Sanaag)' - Commander of Maakhir Police Forces.
The parliament of Maakhir currently has 38 members.^[12]

Recognition

Maakhir has received support from the Transitional Federal Parliament's member of parliament from Sanaag, 'Drs. Asha Abdalla'.^[13] No word yet as to whether the TFP as a whole will recognize the new state.

Image Gallery

References

1. The rise of Maakhir State and the fall of Puntland in Sanaag and Western Bari Regions
2. Somaliland Warns Puntland Either To Withdraw Militia Forces Or Face Immediate Consequences
3. The rise of Maakhir State and the fall of Puntland.
4. Maakhir State of Somalia faces challenges and obstacles. Article in ''Markacadeey online'' in August 23, 2007.
5. Fighting Erupts As Invading Militia From ‎Puntland Are Beaten Back By ‎Somalilanders
6. Gun battle between Puntland Supported Militia and Maakhiri Forces in Southern Sanaag
7. Puntland Opposes `Makhir State'
8. Raz Shirwa [mailto:razshirwa@gmail.com razshirwa@gmail.com] (Journalist)
9. Jibrell has called the Diaspora to reach out to increasing IDPs in Sanaag and establish Civil Society Organisations
10. Maakhir State of Somalia names State Secretaries
11. Maakhir State of Somalia names 7 new State Secretaries
12. Maakhir State of Somalia increases its Parliament members
13. Maakhir State gains support in Somalia parliament