Jaarso and Geri Koombe were in an alliance for a couple of centuries with the ugaas of the Geri as the chief of both clans. The Geri were politically powerful although they were smaller than the Jaarso numerically. The Jaarso learned the Somali language and would often identify themselves as Geri to other Somalis. The rise of Oromo nationalism in the 60s and 70s led many Jaarso to feel bitter about the cultural dominance of the Geri Somali. The Jaarso refused to have the Geri ugaas represent them during the Somali region conference, something that shocked the Geri. Violence erupted between the two clans and the OLF supported the Jaarso in displacing the Geri out of their lands inside Oromo region. The Geri and Jidwaq retaliated by evicting many Jaarso out of lands inside the Somali region. Geri now live in Tuli Guled woreda in the Somali region while Jaarso live in Chinaksen woreda in Oromia. The Jaarso made it clear that they are Oromo by voting to join Oromia in 2004.
@Daughter of samaale many Jaarso claim to be Geri when they marry Somalis from outside of their region. Because of the recent conflict many Jaarso have begun to claim to be Dir when living among Somalis.
@Daughter of samaale many Jaarso claim to be Geri when they marry Somalis from outside of their region. Because of the recent conflict many Jaarso have begun to claim to be Dir when living among Somalis.
