Always Moving Always Sharing Somaliland

SOMALILAND POWER STRUCTURE: TRIBAL SYSTEM
Clan Leader
Highest position within the clan
Will help to arrange jobs within prestigious
government positions (individuals must still go
through application process)
SULTAN
Leader of sub-clan (6-7 per clan
• Government-recognised and paid
(registered in ministry of the interior)
• Mediates between clans and sub-clans, and
within clans
• Elevate issues to Ministry of Interior
Chiefdom is both inherited (through blood) and based
on reputation. Elders can choose a more reputable
candidate, for example, if the candidate for chief is of
poor character.
CHIEF
ELDERS
Representative of sub-clan (7-30 per sub-clan)
• Eligible to be in upper house, guurti, when somebody dies
• Must be over 50 years old
• Men only
There are two types:
1. Cultural Elder
Has cultural wisdom to advise on/resolve disputes. For example, if there is
a problem between husband and wife, the woman will tell her family, who
will inform their elder, who will discuss with the husband’s elder, and then
the two men will hear both sides of the story and recommend action to the
husband.
2. Businessman
Entrepreneur or successful business owner
Provides financial oversight to necessary sub-clan endeavours/activities
Called upon to give loans to others in sub-clan
May loan money for mag while sub-clan collects from appropriate
members
B&MG - SOMALILAND MOBILE MONEY STUDIO D RADIODURANS
MAY 2015 13