Ras Makonnen complained to the British about the Gadabursi

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Simodi

Chilling in Quljeed
“Dated the 5th Amli 1883
“From Ras Makunan, Amir of Harrar and its Dependencies,

“To: Colonel E.V. Stace, Political Agent and Consul, Somali Coast. “After compliments.- We have received your letter, and we are obliged and highly please(d) for your friendship towards His Highness King Menelek. “Be it known to Your Excellency that friendship, love and amity will continue between you and us for ever. Be sure that nothing displeasing to you will be ever done by us except what is pleasing. “As for the Gadabursi, they are always molesting and looting the travellers who come to Harrar. This we do not hide from you. The doings of this tribe are much injurious and troublesome to all the people as they loot the travellers without cause. As regards what you wrote appertaining to an intended attack by some of our soldiers against them (Gadabursi), we are not aware of it because we were absent. Before taking such steps, we would consult you. As for the Gadabursi and a part of the Habr Awal being subjects, His Highness Negus Menelek wrote to the European powers in his letter that they were subjects of King Tobyaur (of Ethiopia), therefore we cannot reply on this subject without asking His Highness King Menelek, as he alone communicates with the powers and make the limits. May you remain, &c.”



The Scramble in the Horn of Africa
 

Simodi

Chilling in Quljeed
Another letter from Ras Makonnen to the British Government about the Gadabursi



“After compliments. Your kind letter, dated 11th August, has reached us. May God keep you in good health for the trouble you had taken to write to us. It is true we received a shot in the arm, but we were not much injured; we recovered soon and we are not ill now. May God keep you for your remembering us. “Our people who are in the Gadabursi country who put the flag, it was not for bad purpose, but for travelers who pass peaceably and to arrest our soldiers who run away from us. It was not for any other object. You should not think otherwise. Our King Johnowi had previously written your Government about the limits of our country and communicated the same to the other Governments. We did not make a new statement except what our King has ordered us. If there is no fear on the road, it is good for the caravans going to Zaila. We have no ill views and what we wish is that we may remain friendly neighbour with you. We have no bad intentions. May our Lord preserve you from all evil.”

Scramble in the Horn of Africa
 

Simodi

Chilling in Quljeed
The British Government responds:


Lieutenant-Colonel W.B. Ferris, Consul for the Somali Coast, sent the following letter to Makunan: After compliments. “Further it has come to our knowledge that some (of) Your Excellency’s subjects have built huts near the medicinal springs at Alato (Alalo) in the territory of our tribe of the Gadabursi. “From the friendship we bear Your Excellency, we shall always be glad to offer facilities for your subjects to enjoy the benefit of these springs, but buildings should not be erected within the territory of Her Majesty the Queen of England without permission, and we trust that you will warn your subjects that such buildings cannot be allowed unless our sanction be first taken.” dated 13th Mahasi 1888 (received 27th August 1896) Makunan replied to the British Consul on 13 the Mahasi 1888 (received on August 27, 1896 )
 

Simodi

Chilling in Quljeed
Lands gobbled up under Colonialism, between the British and the Abyssinians.


In a letter to the Under-Secretary of State for India, the Under-Seretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the Foreign Office, London, Sir P.W. Currie, mentioned a telegram dated March 17, 1891, from the British Resident at Aden, respecting the movements of Abyssinian forces in the districts inhabited by the Gadabursi tribes. The British Ambassador in Rome was instructed to state to the Italian Government that King Menelek has attacked the Gadabursi who have treaty relations with Her Majesty’s Government, and to request them to call upon him to desist from such proceedings. British Resident at Aden expressly stated that the Abyssinian force entered the Gadabursi country on March 1, 1891.*

The British Secretary of State in London sent the following telegram on March 18, 1891, to the Viceroy in Calcutta: “Foreign . Secret. Resident at Aden telegraphed 17th March: “Abyssinians invaded Gadabursi 1st March. Gadabursi applied Protectorate. Merewether says that if not granted they will, probably, ask for help elsewhere and recommends hoisting flag Harawad. Zaila instructed to take no action pending order. Gadabursi rely upon the word maintenance of independence in the preamble Treaty, 1884, and press for a reply. Jopp give no advice. What are your views? Please telegraph reply at once.**

The Political Secretary, Bombay sent the following telegram to Foreign Secretary, Calcutta on March 18, 1891: “Following telegram received from Resident at Aden last night: Begins. As follows. Following telegram sent now to Secretary of State. Following telegram received from Assistant Resident at Zaila to Consul, Somali Coast, just received: Telegram begins. “Abyssinian force entered Gadabursi country on first. Gadabursi fled from mountains; no fighting. Abyssinians returned Gedi. Gadabursi apply for protectorate. If not granted, probably apply for help elsewhere. Recommend hoisting flag Harawad whilst yet time and Abyssinians out of country; await instructions. Second force left same date ostensibly against the Hargeisa” Telegram ends.

Harawad is between the Hargeisa and Gildessa in Gadabursi country. Zaila instructed to take no action pending orders. Gadabursi rely on words maintenance our independence in preamble Treaty, 1884, and press for a reply. Baring informed 16th February that our flag hoisted at Hargeisa.” Aden telegram ends. I have telegraphed to Resident at Aden: Telegram begins. “Your Secret telegram of yesterday evening. Undesirable to notice threatening disturbance beyond the sphere of protective treaty or until you have clearer proof of the hostile invasion of Gadabursi country to consider question protective treaty with the Gadabursi, presuming Hargeisa and Harawad are beyond the sphere of protective agreements. Hoisting flag appears undesirable. Our policy is to interfere only where protective treaty absolutely requires” My telegram ends. We have no communication with Secretary of State but should invasion extend protected territory we shall be glad to receive clear instructions.”*

Then the Viceroy in Calcutta sent the following “Personal telegram” No.566-E, dated the 21st March 1891, to the Secretary of State in London: “Your Lordship’s telegram, dated 18th March (Foreign-Secret). Decision as to the assistance to be given to Gadabursi must depend on policy which Her Majesty’s Government decide to adopt as to the Somali Hinterlandsee our Secret despatch No. 123 of 7th October 1890. Until a conclusion upon this point has been arrived at we shall be guided by your Secret despatch No. 30 of 31st October. This action will accord with view of Bombay Government, who have telegraphed to Aden that it is inexpedient to notice threatening disturbance beyond the sphere of protective treaty or to consider question of protectorate treaty with Gadabursi until clearer evidence of invasion of their country is received and further that presuming Harawad and Hargeisa are beyond sphere of protectorate agreements it appears undesirable to hoist flag at those places. Unless where protective treaty absolutely requires it our policy is not to interfere.”*


Scramble in the Horn of Africa
 
“Dated the 5th Amli 1883
“From Ras Makunan, Amir of Harrar and its Dependencies,

“To: Colonel E.V. Stace, Political Agent and Consul, Somali Coast. “After compliments.- We have received your letter, and we are obliged and highly please(d) for your friendship towards His Highness King Menelek. “Be it known to Your Excellency that friendship, love and amity will continue between you and us for ever. Be sure that nothing displeasing to you will be ever done by us except what is pleasing. “As for the Gadabursi, they are always molesting and looting the travellers who come to Harrar. This we do not hide from you. The doings of this tribe are much injurious and troublesome to all the people as they loot the travellers without cause. As regards what you wrote appertaining to an intended attack by some of our soldiers against them (Gadabursi), we are not aware of it because we were absent. Before taking such steps, we would consult you. As for the Gadabursi and a part of the Habr Awal being subjects, His Highness Negus Menelek wrote to the European powers in his letter that they were subjects of King Tobyaur (of Ethiopia), therefore we cannot reply on this subject without asking His Highness King Menelek, as he alone communicates with the powers and make the limits. May you remain, &c.”


The Scramble in the Horn of Africa

Very interesting, thanks for sharing :nvjpqts:
 
If we're going to talk about history, then there was no clan that was more powerful than Dhulbahante in the pre-colonial era. :mjpls:

"After the fall of the Kingdom of the Great Boqor Wiilwaal and sun had set on the Bartire, it might be fairly claimed that the Dhulbahante emerged as the most powerful and most feared tribe in Somalia. That reputation was solidified when Dhulbahante defeated the Ogaadeen in one of the most bloody, vicious and brutal battles in Somali history. The battle took place below Kabar Ogaadeen hills(Named after the battle). The Dhulbahante were left as the undisputed masters of Northern Somalia, occupying the land from Jiidali in the north of Sanaag to Ceelcad near the Mudug border in the south. From Kiridh in the west to Xalin in the Nugaal valley where they bordered the Majeerteen.

In the middle of the nineteenth century the English sent two explorers to prepare the way for English colonization of Northern Somalia. Richard Burton landed in the western part of Northern Somalia, among the Isaaq. To the east they sent his partner in exploration, a certain Mr John Speke who landed at Laasqoray with a brief to traverse the Dhulbahante country and meet up with his fellow explorer Richard Burton in Harar. Speke's mission was not a complete success as he was not able to proceed through the Dhulbahante country on account of hostility and suspicion that greeted his journey through their land. But he made many discoveries and recorded facts that are useful to us in reconstructing the condition and circumstances of the Dhulbahante clan in the middle of the 19th century.

Speke's arrival was greeted with suspicion as he advanced towards the Dhulbahante frontier in the spring of 1855. He received many alarming reports warning him about the Dhulbahante as being a "terrible and savage nation" who were unsettled by reports of Speke's marking out the Warsangeli land with paper. Speke wrote that he was delayed for eight days while his motives for travelling through the Dhulbahante lands were being established. He was eventually allowed to proceed and he recorded the internecine warfare that split the Dhulbahante Kingdom into two factions in those years. Until that time the Dhulbahante were under the Figurehead command of the hereditary Garaadship of the Baharasame kings but a schism developed in the early to mid 19th century that saw the rise and investiture of one Cali Xaram(Maxamuud Ugaadhyahan) who formed a breakaway Garaadship for the Maxamuud Garaad. It was a natural consequence of the growing vigour and rude health of the Dhulbahante clan whose lands, wealth and population became too large for their affairs to be run by a single Garaad. These birth-pangs of a New Order led to ruinous wars between the brother lineages of the Dhulbahante that exacted a heavy toll.

Despite these discords and intestine wars, Dhulbahante presented a united front in opposing what they felt any encroachment by suspicious foreigners. The Dhulbahante made it clear to Speke that he could only proceed through their land at their sufferance and authority and he was confronted with an ultimatum that he should pay for his passage through Dhulbahante or else turn back. As a demonstration of the hostile reception he could face the Dhulbahante arranged for Speke to witness a mounted Expedition of 4000 men being assembled for one of the dreaded Dhulbahante Cavalry raids that were periodically carried out by the descendants of Siciid Harti against their neighbouring tribes, both Isaaq and Daarood; Raids that spread fear and foreboding throughout the land as the thundering hooves of the Dhulbahante horsemen presaged terrible material and human losses:

The other people I met here were some Dulbahantas arming for the fight. They said they were 4000 strong in cavalry, and were slaughtering sheep wholesale for provision on the road. Each man carried a junk of flesh, a skin of water, and a little hay, and was then ready for a long campaign, for they were not soft like the English (their general boast), who must have their daily food; they were hardy enough to work without eating ten days in succession, if the emergency required it.

It gives us a flavour of the life of the Dhulbahante at the time that Siciid Qamax, the legendary Cali Naaleeye warrior and poet, composed his famous poem when the Dhulbahante reached the Indian ocean at Illig in a bloody march through Majeerteen lands, along the way exacting terrible revenge for a previous attack by the Majeerteen on the Dhulbahante. Before they reached the ocean they succeeding in sacking the historic capital of the Cismaan Maxamuud at Noobir(between Iskushuban and Beyla).

Waa loo shuhuud NOOBIR inay shaxi ka jeexnayde.
Badda shaqafka inaan soo darsaday sheegyay aadmiguye.
Iidoorku waa midaan shidiyo midaan shiddeeyaaye.
Shan haddaan ka dilo, waa anoo neef shidhow qalaye
Turki baan u shoolaye nin kale shuufay hadalkiise


Speke eventually turned back after his fate was spelled out to him in the starkest terms by his native guides:

They (the Dhulbahante) did not fear guns. The English could not reach them; besides, their fathers had driven Christians from these lands; and if an army was to attack them, they would assemble so many cavalry, and ride in such rapidity around them, that their gunners could not take aim in consequence of the clouds of dust which this feat would occasion!

Shortly thereafter Speke turned back and made his way to Harar by some alternative route. He and Burton ran into a hot reception from the Habar Awal and their mission ended acrimoniously amid bitter recriminations between the two explorers.

Another explorer who had a better time of it in Dhulbahante country was the man sent by the Royal Geographic society to survey the northern part of the land of the Somalis. He also noted the bitter intestine warfare that was ravaging the Dhulbahante Kingdom amid the schism between the two great Lineages of the tribe. But his impressions were in similar vein to Speke, highlighting the overwhelming martial nature of the tribe and their superiority as fighting force occassioned by their use of Cavalry charges that gave them great mobility and an irresistible battlefield presence. Cruttenden wrote:

Dhulbahante are a nation who fight chiefly on horseback their arms being 2 spears and a shield. Their horses are powerful and courageous; the breed descended, according to Somali tradition, from the stud of Suleiman, the son of David, and consequently highly valued. The Dulbahante, as far as I have seen them, are a fine martial race of men, second to none of the branches of Darrood either in conduct or appearance, and they are described as being courteous and hospitable to the stranger who visits them.

The abundance of horses in the Dhulbahante country and the prowess of the Dhulbahante as horsemen is recurring theme. Drake-Brockman, a colonial civil servant during the Darwiish wars remarks on this in his book, British Somaliland:

Previous to the expeditions against the Mullah, the tribes which were, in all probability, the best off in horses were the Dulbahanta. At all events, most of those in a position to speak are agreed that the Dulbahantas are the best horsemen among the Somalis.

The next visitor to the Dhulbahante country was one Harold Swayne in the 1870s. He wrote extensively about Northern Somalia in his books Seventeen Trips through Somaliland. Swayne wrote that "of the Somali tribes I have met on different expeditions those having the most ponies are the Dhulbahante, . In the Dolbahante country we saw enormous number, one man sometimes owning 150"! This abundance of horses gave the Dhulbahante great strategic advantage which they pressed relentlessly. It allowed them to cover huge distances. Swayne records that the Dhulbahante were a tribe addicted to raiding and their horsemen rampaged down the coast molesting the coastal trade centres of Bullaxaar and Berbera. They also harried and looted the trade caravans coming from Mudug and Ogaadeeniya. When Swayne visited Caynaba then occupied by the powerful Ararsame lineage of Axmed Garaad he witnessed large number of caravans that were Ararsame Magan. The caravans were afraid to venture towards Berbera fearful of Maxamuuud Garaad horsemen."

War waxan eegaa. This is a thread about Gadabuursi and you're coming here talking your tribe. Get your qabyaalad out of here!
WLhi it's so funny how whenever isaaq people are talking, you big up the samaroon but then insult samaroon when it's just them. I see what you're doing and its pathetic.
:camby:
 
That's the paradox of harti, lol. They present themselves as the most patriotic Somalis when all the evidence points to the exact opposite. Gadabuursi/Ciise should send thanks and supplications to Eebe everyday that they don't border these people.:mjlol:
 
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