Draft:Abdalle

Abdalle

Abdalle بنو عبد الله

Somali clan

Ethnicity: Somali

Location: Somalia (Lower Juba), Ethiopia (Gode), Kenya (Garissa)

Parent tribe: Ogaden

Language: Somali, Arabic

Religion: Sunni Islam

Somalia portal

The Abdalla (Somali: Cabdalle, Arabic: عبد الله) is a sub-clan of the Ogaden, which is one of the major Somali clans in the Horn of Africa.

Overview

The Abdalla, also spelled Cabdalle, Abdalle, or Abdullah, is a sub-clan of the Ogaden, one of the major Somali clans in the Horn of Africa. This clan has a significant presence in various regions, including the Lower Juba region of Somalia, parts of Ethiopia, and Northern Kenya, particularly in the Northern Frontier District (NFD), which includes areas such as Garissa, Masalani, and Halugho.

Historically, the Abdalla clan has been intricately linked with the sociopolitical dynamics of the regions they inhabit. In the early 20th century, the British colonial administration recognized the Abdalla's influence in Jubaland, a region that was part of British East Africa. The clan's leadership played a crucial role in the interactions between the British authorities and the local Somali populations, particularly during the period of British colonial expansion (East Africa and Uganda Protectorates, 1910-1911).

The Abdalla clan is known for its resilience and strong communal ties, which have helped them maintain their identity and influence despite the challenges posed by colonialism and subsequent political changes in the region. The clan's historical significance is highlighted in various colonial reports and scholarly works, which document their involvement in the broader Somali resistance against colonial rule and their contributions to the cultural and political landscape of the Horn of Africa (Bruzzone, 2019).

In contemporary times, the Abdalla clan continues to play a vital role in the socio-political fabric of Jubaland and the NFD. Their influence extends beyond Somalia and Kenya, with members of the clan also residing in Ethiopia, particularly in the Godhey area. The clan's leadership has been instrumental in regional politics, contributing to the governance and development of these regions (Gaas & Walls, 2023).

The Abdalla clan's history and socio-political influence are well-documented in various scholarly sources, underscoring their importance in the history and culture of the Horn of Africa (East Africa and Uganda Protectorates, 1910-1911; Hal Science, 2023).

Who is Abdalle?

Abdalla is the son of Ibrahim Samawathe, descending through Tolomuge, Muse, Yussuf, Kante, Tikalwaq, Barwaq, and Ogaden. Mohamed Samawathe is his uncle, and Sinwaq is his paternal granduncle, making Sinwaq and Samawathe brothers under Talamuge.

The following are said to be Abdalla Ibrahim's brothers:

• Geya Ibrahim
• Ashantalis Ibrahim
• Gelhis Ibrahim (integrated under HA of Ali (Eli) Abdalla)

Abdalla Ibrahim had nine sons:

• Abdikarim Abdalla
• Ali Abdalla (including Hassan Adan, Abokor Adan, Adan Muse/Rer Hassan)
• Saleban Abdalla
• Abokor Abdalla
• Adan Abdalla
• Mahad Cas Abdalla
• Mahad Abdalla
• Ahmed Abdalla
• Gantal Abdalla (some integrated by HA)

Notable Persons

• Sheikh Ibrahim Abdalla: Founder of ONLF, prominent leader.
• Mohamed Yusuf Haji: Kenyan politician.
• Noordin Haji: Director General of Kenya's National Intelligence Service (NIS).
• Abdi Idle: Garissa county assembly Speaker
• Abdi Ali Abdi: Ijara MP

References

East Africa and Uganda Protectorates (1910-1911). British Colonial Administration Reports. Gaas, M., & Walls, M. (2023). Jubaland and the Northern Frontier District. Commonwealth Studies. Bruzzone, F. (2019). Somali Clans and the Colonial Experience. Doctoral Thesis, SOAS, University of London. Hal Science (2023). Historical Overview of Somali Clans. Tel Archives.