Whatβs their xeer and what does xeer mean?
The **Xeer** is a traditional Somali legal system that has been around for centuries. The word **Xeer** comes from **Xare**, which refers to the protective enclosure where Somalis would keep their livestock safe from wild animals or thieves. Over time, **Xeer** evolved into a system that protects people, their rights, and their property, much like the **Xare** protected livestock. Itβs deeply tied to the pastoral lifestyle of the Somali people, where survival often depended on cooperation and fairness.
The **Xeer Ciise** is the specific version of this system used by the **Issa**, one of the Somali clans. One of the key principles of the Issa Xeer is encapsulated in the saying: *βCiise waa wada ciise, ninna nin caaro ma dheera,β* which translates to *βThe Issa are all equal, and no one is more equal than another.β* This principle emphasizes equality and fairness, ensuring that no individual or group is seen as superior within the Issa community.
The **Xeer Ciise** is structured around three main institutions: the **Guddi**, the **Gande**, and the **Ugaas**. Hereβs how they work:
1. **The Guddi**: This is the supreme council of elders and serves as the legislative, judicial, and executive body of the Xeer system. Itβs made up of 44 membersβ24 representatives from the 12 Issa clans (2 from each clan) and 20 additional members chosen for their wisdom, moral integrity, and knowledge. The Guddi handles social, political, and economic matters, as well as conflicts within the community and with neighboring groups.
2. **The Gande**: This body acts as a constitutional and supreme court. Like the Guddi, it has 44 members, but its role is to safeguard the authenticity of the Xeer and ensure its proper application. The Gande handles cases that the Guddi couldnβt resolve, including appeals and disputes between clans. It also serves as a training institution, passing down knowledge about the Xeer to future generations.
3. **The Ugaas**: The Ugaas is the spiritual leader and symbolic head of the Issa community. However, the Ugaas doesnβt hold absolute power. Instead, he works with the Guddi and Gande to facilitate decision-making and bless their rulings. The Ugaas is chosen exclusively from the **Wardhiq sub-clan**, which is the smallest among the Issa clans. This selection process is based on specific criteria, including genealogy, personal qualities, and community approval. The Ugaas can be removed if he fails to meet the communityβs expectations.
The representation of the 12 Issa clans in the Guddi and Gande ensures that all clans have a voice in the decision-making process. This system is designed to maintain balance and prevent any single clan from dominating. The **Xeer Ciise** focuses on resolving conflicts through reconciliation and compensation rather than punishment, aiming to restore harmony within the community.
The principle of equality, *βCiise waa wada ciise, ninna nin caaro ma dheera,β* is central to the Issa Xeer. It reinforces the idea that all members of the Issa community are equal under the law, regardless of their clan or status. This principle, along with the structured roles of the Guddi, Gande, and Ugaas, forms the foundation of the Issa Xeer as a system of governance and justice.
If you wanna learn more here is video about it