Garad Jama Garad Ali facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Garad Jama Garad Ali |
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| Garaad of the Dhulbahante | |
| Reign | 2006 |
| Coronation | 2006 |
| Born | 1974 Las Anod, Somalia |
| Father | Garaad Cali |
Garad Jama Garad Ali (also known as Garaad Jamaac Garaad Cali) is an important traditional leader of the Dhulbahante clan. He is the 21st supreme Garad (which is like a Sultan or chief) of his people. He plays a big role in the politics of Somalia, especially in the Ssc-Khatumo region.
Contents
About Garad Jama Garad Ali
Early Life and Family
Garad Jama was born in 1974 in Las Anod, a city in the Sool region of Somalia. His father was Garad Ali Garad Jama. Garad Jama is part of the Baharsame group within the Dhulbahante clan. Some sources say his hometown is Sahdheer.
In 1985, when Garad Jama was only 11 years old, his father passed away. He was too young to become the next Garad. So, his uncle, Garad Abdiqani Garad Jama, took on the role instead.
Garad Abdiqani, Garad Jama's uncle, was a key figure. He was part of a big meeting in Burao in 1991. At this meeting, he first suggested the idea of Somaliland becoming independent. He even signed the Somaliland Declaration of Independence for the Dhulbahante people. However, Garad Abdiqani later changed his mind. He joined in setting up Puntland in 1998, showing he no longer fully supported Somaliland's independence.
Garad Abdiqani Garad Jama passed away on February 9, 2006. After his uncle's death, Garad Jama was ready to take on the leadership role.
Becoming a Garad
Garad Jama's coronation was a very special event. It happened on May 22, 2006. This was the first time since 1991 that so many different political leaders came together. Important people like a former Somali Prime Minister and the President of Puntland attended.
The ceremony took place in Geedo-Qarsay Valley, near Las Anod. This valley is a historic place where Garad Jama's father, uncle, and grandfather were also crowned. Thousands of guests came, and the people of Las Anod welcomed them warmly. There were even well-trained horses decorated with beautiful fabrics. This showed off the amazing work of traditional Somali artists.
At 10 o'clock, milk was poured onto Garad Jama. This act is a symbol of peace and good fortune in Somali culture. Since becoming Garad, he has worked hard for peace in northern Somalia. He helps solve problems in Somaliland, Puntland, and the Somali Region of Ethiopia. Garad Jama has a lot of influence and plays a big part in the lives of northern Somalis.
Garad Jama and Somaliland
In 2007, Garad Jama visited Las Anod. Soon after, Somaliland forces took control of the city. Because of this, Garad Jama did not visit Las Anod again for 15 years. He supports the idea of a united Somalia.
In October 2009, Garad Jama spoke with the BBC. He asked the Somaliland army to leave Las Anod and Buuhoodle. However, a leader from the Somaliland parliament refused his request.
In November 2010, Garad Jama met with the President of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia. He was part of a group from the SSC.
Garad Jama joined the Khatumo State as a traditional leader. This state began operating around 2012. In August 2012, a meeting for Khatumo State was held in Sahdheer, where Garad Jama lives. A new president was chosen at this meeting.
In November 2013, Garad Jama spoke out against the Puntland government. He felt they were interfering with Khatumo State.
Around April 2014, as Khatumo State started to face difficulties, Garad Jama was living in Sahdheer. He was in contact with Puntland at this time.
In January 2015, Garad Jama attended another important coronation ceremony.
In June 2017, Garad Jama disagreed with the policy of joining Khatumo State with Somaliland.
After Khatumo State
In June 2019, Garad Jama visited Werder, Ethiopia and met with a regional leader.
In March 2020, Garad Jama visited Dharkayn Geenyo for another leader's inauguration. He stated that their people do not belong to Somaliland or Puntland.
The Las Anod Conflict (2023)
On January 23, 2023, Garad Jama visited Las Anod for the first time in 15 years. He received a warm welcome. Garad Jama said that the Somaliland government was causing problems in Las Anod. He stated that the city would no longer be controlled by Hargeisa.
On January 31, Garad Jama accused Somaliland troops of being terrorists. This was in response to Somaliland's president calling the forces in Las Anod "terrorists."
On February 6, 2023, Garad Jama and other Dhulbahante elders announced their plan to form a new state government. They called it "SSC-Khatumo" and said it would be part of the Federal Government of Somalia. Somaliland troops attacked Las Anod on the same day, and many people were killed.
On February 8, Garad Jama accused the Somaliland government of terrible actions. He called for peace and declared that Las Anod wanted to be governed by Mogadishu, under the Federal Government of Somalia. In that same week, fighting and bombings killed at least 82 people. About 90% of the city's residents had to leave their homes. The conflict created 185,000 people who had to move within their own country and 60,000 refugees. By March 2, the mayor of Las Anod reported that Somaliland forces were bombing public buildings, including hospitals. The United Nations also reported over 200 deaths.
On July 11, 2023, reports said that Somaliland troops shelled a health center in Las Anod. Two ambulances were destroyed, and many people, including healthcare workers and patients, were hurt. The World Health Organization spoke out against this attack. In response, Somaliland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the statement was "upsetting." They claimed they were fighting clan groups and terrorists to ensure people could get help.
On August 16, 2023, a Somali poet named Abwan Jama Kadiye passed away. Reports suggest he was a victim of random shelling near Goja Adde. While some blamed Somaliland, they denied any involvement.
On August 25, 2023, the SSC administration took over two strongholds of the Somaliland National Army. These were in Maraaga and Goja’adde. They captured many weapons and vehicles. A spokesperson for SSC-Khatumo said they won a big victory. They captured all nearby Somaliland military bases and took their war vehicles, weapons, and ammunition. During the battle, a general was captured. The SSC-Khatumo military pushed Somaliland's army back over 100km and secured the whole region. This important victory brought peace to Las Anod and the cities of SSC-Khatumo. In December 2023, Garad Jama and Dhulbahante elders stated that Khatumo state is not part of Puntland, belonging neither to Somaliland nor Puntland.
See also
- Garaad
- Garad Abdiqani Garad Jama
- Garad Saleban Garad Mohamed
- Laascaanood
