Jump to content

Galmudug

Coordinates: 5°32′06″N 46°23′10″E / 5.53500°N 46.38611°E / 5.53500; 46.38611
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Galmudug (Arabic: جلمدج; Italian: Galmudugh), officially Galmudug State of Somalia (Somali: Dowlad Goboleedka Galmudug ee Soomaaliya), is a Federal Member State in central Somalia, with its capital at Dhusamareb. It is bordered to the north by the Puntland state of Somalia, to the west by the Somali Region in Ethiopia, to the east by the Indian Ocean and to the south by the Hirshabelle state of Somalia.

Galmudug State of Somalia
  • Dowlad Goboleedka Galmudug ee Soomaaliya (Somali)
  • ولاية جلمدج الصومالية  (Arabic)
  • Wilayat Gālmuḍug aṣ-Ṣūmāl
Motto: "Qolobaa Calankeed"
Anthem: Qolobaa Calankeed
Location of the Galmudug State within Somalia[1][2][3][4]
Location of the Galmudug State within Somalia[1][2][3][4]
Capital
and largest city
Dusmareb
5°32′06″N 46°23′10″E / 5.53500°N 46.38611°E / 5.53500; 46.38611
Official languages
Demonym(s)Somali
GovernmentFederated state under a presidential democracy
• President
Ahmed Abdi Karie
Cali Ciid
• Speaker of Parliament
Mohamed Nur Gacal
Federal Member State 
within Somalia
Area
• Total
100,370[5] km2 (38,750 sq mi) (205,390 sqKM2)
Population
• Estimate
1.5 million (2022)[citation needed]
CurrencySomali shilling (SOS)
Time zoneUTC+3 (EAT)
• Summer (DST)
UTC+3 (not observed)
Drives onright
Calling code+252 (Somalia)
ISO 3166 codeSO
Internet TLD.so

Consisting of the Galgaduud region and Mudug region, Galmudug's name is derived from a conflation of the names of the two regions.[6][7][8][9][10] Galmudug is a federal state within the larger Federal Republic of Somalia, as defined by the provisional constitution of Somalia.[7]

Location

[edit]

Galmudug is the most centrally located area in Somalia. It is situated about 750 km from Mogadishu, Bosaso and Harar in Ethiopia. The region is bordered to the east by the Indian Ocean, to the west by Ethiopia, to the north by Puntland, and to the south by the Hirshabelle.

History

[edit]

The autonomous Galmudug region was established. Mohamed Warsame Ali 'Kiimiko' was elected as the new administration's president, and Galkayo was declared the new polity's capital.[11]

The appellation Galmudug is a conflation of Galguduud, Galwaaq and Mudug provinces.

Relations between Galmudug and the Puntland region to its immediate north have historically been tense. However, the two regions gradually made strides toward strengthening inter-regional relations. To this end, representatives of the two autonomous administrations signed an accord in February 2011 in Garowe, the capital of Puntland, wherein both governments officially agreed to cooperate on security, economic and social matters.[12]

Presidential elections

[edit]

On 1 August 2012, Galmudug's 25-seat parliament elected General Abdi Hasan Awale (Qaybdiid) as the region's new president. He replaced former president Mohamed Ahmed Aalin, who was receiving medical treatment abroad.[11] Qaybdiid had obtained 22 votes versus 1 vote for the other candidate, Abdisamad Nur Guled. Qaybdiid was subsequently sworn in as Galmudug President in a ceremony in Galkayo marking the 6th anniversary since the establishment of the Galmudug administration.[13] During his inauguration speech, Qaybdiid reiterated his pre-election promises to firm up on regional security, expand his administration's control to areas that had not been covered by the regional authority, and foster relations with neighbouring regional states and national bodies.[14]

Official status

[edit]

As of 2013, Galmudug's official status as a federal state is in the process of being finalized. Qaybdiid's administration has asserted that Galmudug meets the requirements for official state status, as outlined in the federal constitution. As of April 2013, the federal authorities have not accepted this claim.[15] Article 49 of the Provisional Federal Constitution, which oversees the establishment of the Federal Republic of Somalia's constituent states, stipulates that "based on a voluntary decision, two or more regions may merge to form a Federal Member State".[16] Since Galmudug only includes part of the official Mudug region, the federal Interior Minister Abdikarim Guled has urged the local Galmudug authorities to merge with other would-be states, including Himan and Heeb, to form one unitary state consisting of two or more regions, in accordance with the constitution.[17]

On 30 July 2014, the Federal Government of Somalia officially endorsed a new Central Regions State, following a signed agreement in Mogadishu between representatives from Galmudug, Himan and Heeb, and Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a. The formalization ceremony for the new federal state was held at the Villa Somalia presidential compound and was presided over by President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, with UN, EU, AU, IGAD and AMISOM envoys also in attendance. According to the Prime Minister's office, the Federal Government appointed a ministerial committee to guide the formation of the new state. It also organized a number of consultative meetings with the regional representatives, with each party eventually agreeing to establish a new administration in the Mudug and Galguduud regions. Additionally, the Central Regions State will be subject to the Provisional Federal Constitution.[18][19]

On 31 July 2014, the autonomous Puntland regional administration in northeastern Somalia issued a statement rejecting the Central Regions State agreement on the grounds that it contravened certain clauses and articles in the Provisional Federal Constitution and breached Puntland's jurisdiction over the northern part of the Mudug province.[20][21] The Puntland Council of Ministers led by Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali further expressed dismay over sponsorship of and attendance during the agreement by representatives of the central government and the international community, respectively. It also suspended relations with the Mogadishu authorities, and recalled Puntland's representatives serving in the Federal Parliament, Federal Cabinet and Federal Constitutional Review Committee to the Puntland state capital of Garowe for consultations.[20]

On 9 August 2014, the UN, EU and IGAD envoys for Somalia issued a joint statement assuring the Puntland administration that the new central state of Somalia would not include any territory under Puntland jurisdiction. According to the officials, federal government representatives and signatories had indicated prior to the signing of the central state agreement that the pact would only apply to Galguduud and Galmudug, while North Mudug would remain an integral part of Puntland state.[22] On 24 August 2014, Federal Parliament Speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari announced that Federal MPs hailing from Puntland had begun brokering negotiations between the federal government and the Puntland regional administration.[23]

On 14 October 2014, a three-day conference in Garowe concluded with a 12-point agreement between the Federal Government and Puntland authorities, which stipulates that the earlier Central Regions State pact between the Galmudug and Himan and Heeb regional administrations only applies to the Galguduud and south Mudug provinces.[24]

On 25 December 2014, ahead of a state formation conference in Adado, the Federal Government appointed six committees to oversee the establishment of the prospective Central Somalia regional state. The steering bodies include a technical committee facilitating the creation of Central State, which is chaired by Halimo Ismail Ibrahim; a constitution committee, which is chaired by Abdinoor Moalim Mohamud; a reconciliation committee tasked with solving of differences and selection of delegates, which is chaired by Sheikh Omar Mohamud Mahad; a security, protocol and supervision committee, which is chaired by Uke Haji Abdirahman; a mobilization committee, which is chaired by Abdullahi Abdi Abdille; and a committee of accommodation of delegates and guests of honour, which is chaired by Dahir Hassan Guutaale.[25]

In late March 2015, President Mohamud and Dhusamareb traditional elders began talks over a possible relocation of the Adado conference to Dhusamareb. Mohamud preferred holding the summit in Adado, whereas the traditional elders favored Dhusamareb for security-related reasons and because the town had already recently hosted smaller reconciliation meetings.[26]

In April 2015, during consultative talks with local politicians and traditional elders, President Mohamud announced that Dhusamareb was intended to be the administrative capital of the Central State.[27] On 16 April, President Mohamud officially launched the Central State formation conference in Adado. The summit was attended by Federal Cabinet ministers and MPs, state formation technical committee Chairperson Halima Ismael, UN Special Envoy to Somalia Ambassador Nicholas Kay, IGAD Special Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Afey, Ambassador of Turkey Olgen Bakar and Uganda Special Envoy Nathan Mugisha. According to Mohamud, traditional leaders are now tasked with selecting 510 delegates, who will then elect a new regional president within two weeks.[28]

Demographics

[edit]

The Galmudug area in central Somalia is inhabited by the larger Hawiye clan Abgaal, Habar Gidir, Sheekhaal, Duduble and Murusade.

There is also a large population of Darod, and Dir present, mainly the Surre (Dir) and Marehan (Darood). Marehan mainly settles in the Galwaaq province.

Administration

[edit]

The President of Galmudug is an executive head of state; the president is both head of state and head of government. The President can appoint and dismiss Cabinet members.

In August 2017, President Gelle named a new twenty-two members Cabinet.[29][30][31] From 6 December 2017, the chief minister of Galmudug was Mohamed Ali Hassan.[32]

In elections of which the Federal Government of Somalia was accused of interference, Ahmed Abdi Kariye ("Qoor Qoor") became the sixth president of Galmudug State in February 2020.[33]

Additionally, the Galmudug administration appoints governors for each of its constituent provinces. The Governor of the Mudug province is Awes Ali Said.[34]

In November 2014, the Galmudug regional administration in conjunction with the federal Ministry of Interior and the U.S. Tess Agency laid down the foundation for a new government centre in Gaalkacyo. The fourth such local project, the initiative follows the establishment of a new presidential office, social services center and football stadium.[35]

In April 2015, the Galmudug administration launched a campaign to dig sewage and drainage piping in the suburbs of Gaalkacyo. Galmudug municipal and police officials also began clearing reportedly-illicit structures and buildings to make way for the new collection and disposal system.[36]

On 28 September 2016, the U.S. Department of Defense appears to have been misled by Puntland-provided intelligence into carrying out an airstrike in the vicinity of Galkayo that resulted in the deaths of 10 members of the Galmudug security forces.[37]

Presidents

[edit]

For a comprehensive list of the presidents of Galmudug State, see List of presidents of Galmudug. The current president of Galmudug is Ahmed Abdi Karie.

Education

[edit]

Educational institutions in the Galmudug region are largely in the private sector.[34] In March 2015, the Galmudug administration announced that it is slated to open free schools in the regional state. According to the Galmudug Minister for Education Mohamed Haashi Dhalo-Dhalo, the local government will finance the appointment of teachers to the new institutions. The federal Ministry of Education is also scheduled to launch a number of additional educational projects in the region.[38]

Universities and colleges in Galmudug include SIMAD University in Adado, Central Regions University in Adado, Horn Africa University in Adado, Mudug University in Galkayo, Savannah University in Guriel.[39][40] Galgaduud university in Abudwak, Guriel and Dhusamareb.[41]

Galmudug security forces

[edit]
A platoon marching in Dhusamareb

On September 24, 2017, it was reported that the commander of Galmudug's Darwish forces blamed Puntland forces for attacking Ali Waal village, saying that the assault was repulsed.[42]

The Galmudug Maritime Force is a maritime force which safeguards the region's marine resources from piracy, illegal fishing, and other illegal activities off the coast.[43]

The central National Intelligence and Security Agency, headquartered in Mogadishu, has personnel in Galmudug where they works alongside Galmudug intelligence officials.[44]

Transportation

[edit]

For air transportation Galmudug is served by Adado Airport, Oshaka Airport in Galkayo, Ugaas Noor airport in Dhusamareb, Guriel Airport, and by the Obbia Airport (Hobyo Airport) in Hobyo.[45] Additionally, Hobyo has a small but growing seaport.[46]

State Flag

[edit]
Flag of Galmudug

The current flag of Galmudug was adopted on June 17, 2015, in Adado City. Galmudug used the Flag of Somalia from 2006 until 2010, when it adopted its first regional state flag.[47]

Galmudug's regional flag design is a white chevron bearing two green stars facing horizontally on a light blue field bearing a white star on the right side.

Coat of arms

[edit]

The coat of arms of Galmudug is nearly identical to the Somali national coat of arms, with the addition of a Dabqaad Somali incense burner, a traditional handcraft made in El Buur, and a silhouette of a Vachellia tortilis tree to represent peace inside the shield.

Administrative divisions

[edit]

Regions

[edit]

The administrative divisions Galmudug State is divided into two regions which are Mudug and Galgaduud.[7] These two regions are then divided into 10 districts.[48][49]

Region Capital Districts
Galgaduud Dhuusamareeb 5
Mudug Galkayo 5

Main cities

[edit]
 
 
Largest cities or towns in Galmudug
.
Rank Region Pop. Rank Region Pop.
Galkayo
Galkayo
El Buur District
El Buur District
1 Galkayo Mudug 567,067[50] 11 El Garas Galguduud 29,000[51] Dusmareb
Dusmareb
Adado
Adado
2 El Buur District Galguduud 289,873[52] 12 Galinsoor Galguduud 67,000[51]
3 Dusmareb Galguduud 465,260[52]
4 Adado Galguduud 178,000[50]
5 Balanbale Galguduud 45,000[52]
6 Caabudwaaq Galguduud 118,008[52]
7 Hobyo Mudug 88,000[52]
8 Harardhere Mudug 56,543[52]
9 Guriel Galguduud 48,000[52]
10 galhareeri Galguduud 54,843[51]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Mosley, Jason (2017). Somalia's Federal Future Layered Agendas, Risks and Opportunities (PDF). Chatham House. p. 19. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-03-24. Retrieved 2017-08-12.
  2. ^ "Federalism in Africa: The Somalia Case". Archived from the original on 2023-01-14. Retrieved 2018-03-27.
  3. ^ "Somalia Control Map & Timeline - August 2017". Archived from the original on 2023-01-14. Retrieved 2018-03-27.
  4. ^ "UK aid in a conflict-affected country: Reducing conflict and fragility in Somalia". Archived from the original on 2020-11-30. Retrieved 2018-03-27.
  5. ^ "Map Developers". Archived from the original on 2023-11-18. Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  6. ^ Hobbes, Cameron (2017). Somalia and Democracy, a Task to Achieve. p. 48. ISBN 978-1542518512.[permanent dead link]
  7. ^ a b c "Somalia's Federal Govt Endorses Central State". All Africa. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  8. ^ "Gulf of Aden Security Review - February 12, 2016". The Critical Threats Project. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  9. ^ "Federalism in the Central Region – Blue Border Holdings – Maritime & Land Security". Archived from the original on 2023-08-29. Retrieved 2017-02-04.
  10. ^ "Introduction somalia -". CIA Factbook. 2 December 2021. Archived from the original on 1 July 2014. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  11. ^ a b "Somalia: Galmudug Elects New Leader, Pledges Security". SMN. 2 August 2012. Archived from the original on 29 April 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  12. ^ An Agreement Jointly Signed by Puntland and Galmudug Archived 2011-06-01 at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ "Qeybdid sworn in as Galmudug president". Bar-kulan. 2012-08-15. Archived from the original on 2014-04-08. Retrieved 2012-08-16.
  14. ^ Beerdhige, Mohamed (2012-08-01). "Galmudug Elects New President". Somalia Report. Archived from the original on 2012-08-04. Retrieved 2012-08-16.
  15. ^ "Somalia govt 'pursuing leadership change in Galmudug': sources". Garowe Online. 8 April 2013. Archived from the original on 25 September 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  16. ^ "The Federal Republic of Somalia - Provisional Constitution" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  17. ^ Somali Ministry of Interior and National Security (26 March 2013). "Press Release: Somali Ministry of Interior and National Security". Radio Gaal. Archived from the original on 25 September 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  18. ^ "Somalia: Federal Govt endorses central state after tripartite deal". Garowe Online. 30 July 2014. Archived from the original on 12 August 2014. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
  19. ^ "Somali Prime Minister welcomes agreement to form new administration in central Somalia". Horseed Media. 31 July 2014. Archived from the original on 12 August 2014. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
  20. ^ a b "Somalia: Puntland withdraws support for Federal Govt". Garowe Online. 1 August 2014. Archived from the original on 12 August 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
  21. ^ "SOMALIA: Puntland cuts its ties with Federal Government following announcement of Central State". Raxanreeb. 1 August 2014. Archived from the original on 2 August 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
  22. ^ "SOMALIA: UN, EU and IGAD envoys for Somalia send concern letter to Puntland president after the region suspended ties with Mogadishu". Raxanreeb. 17 August 2014. Archived from the original on 21 August 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  23. ^ "SOMALIA: Speaker Jawari hails MPs' efforts to mediate between FG and Puntland". Raxanreeb. 24 August 2014. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  24. ^ "Somalia: Puntland clinches deal with Federal Govt". Garowe Online. 14 October 2014. Archived from the original on 10 December 2014. Retrieved 14 October 2014.
  25. ^ "Federal government finalizes committees to facilitate formation of Central state". Goobjoog. 25 December 2014. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  26. ^ "Dhusa-Mareeb conference Spokesman: "there is chance discuss about where hold state formation conference"". Goobjoog. 27 March 2015. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
  27. ^ "President Hassan Announces Administrative Capital of Upcoming Somali Central State". Goobjoog. 8 April 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
  28. ^ "Adado conference kicks off in central Somalia". Garowe Online. 16 April 2015. Archived from the original on 11 August 2015. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  29. ^ "Somalia: Galmudug President Unveils New Cabinet". Archived from the original on 2019-08-30. Retrieved 2018-04-15.
  30. ^ "Former MP elected as Galmudug President". Archived from the original on 2018-04-15. Retrieved 2018-04-15.
  31. ^ "Ahlu Sunnah to head cabinet in brokered deal with Galmudug state". 7 December 2017. Archived from the original on 16 October 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  32. ^ "Somalia: Galmudug Chief Minister Wants Al- Shabaab Wiped Out Before 2022 Polls". Archived from the original on 2018-04-15. Retrieved 2018-04-15.
  33. ^ "Galmudug State elects President, US congratulates". Archived from the original on 2020-10-26. Retrieved 2020-08-02.
  34. ^ a b "Galmudug administration announce to open free schools". Goobjoog. 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 8 April 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  35. ^ "Foundation stone laid for Galkacyo Local Government Centre". Goobjoog. 18 November 2014. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  36. ^ "Galmudug Police Breaks Down Illegal Structures". Goobjoog. 2 April 2015. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
  37. ^ Report of the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group, S/2018/1002 Archived 2020-04-11 at the Wayback Machine, 9 November 2018, p.136.
  38. ^ "Gal-Mudug State due to opens free school". Goobjoog. 16 March 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  39. ^ "Mudug University". PlacementIndia. Archived from the original on 18 September 2015. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  40. ^ "Savannah University". SavannahUni. Archived from the original on 6 February 2020. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  41. ^ "Somali Government Progress Activities in the Past Week 27 May – 02 June 2017 | Markacadeey". markacadeey.com. Archived from the original on 2017-08-03.
  42. ^ "Galmudug And Puntland States Trade Blames Over Mudug Conflict". Archived from the original on 2017-12-15. Retrieved 2019-04-05.
  43. ^ "GFNP". www.marsecreview.com. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  44. ^ "GANFFANVTEM". nepjournal.com. Archived from the original on 10 June 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  45. ^ "Obbia Airport (CMO)". World Airport Codes. Archived from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  46. ^ "Istanbul conference on Somalia 21 – 23 May 2010 - Draft discussion paper for Round Table "Transport infrastructure"" (PDF). Government of Somalia. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 June 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  47. ^ "Somalia". Archived from the original on 2017-09-22. Retrieved 2017-08-03.
  48. ^ "Galgaduud Region" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  49. ^ "Mudug Region" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  50. ^ a b "Galkayo City". fortuneofafrica.com. 4 September 2013. Archived from the original on 2017-08-31. Retrieved 2017-09-03.
  51. ^ a b c Somalia City & Town Population Archived 2023-04-04 at the Wayback Machine. Tageo.com Archived 2021-04-16 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on 2017-9-3.
  52. ^ a b c d e f g "OCHA" (PDF). docs.unocha.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2017-07-28. Retrieved 2017-09-03.