The article details the history of Somalia from the late 19th century, focusing on the religious resistance against British colonial forces led by the Mad Mullah, Sheikh Maxamed Cabdulle Xasan. It covers the impact of colonial governance, significant military conflicts, the formation of the Somali Republic, and the internal political dynamics following independence, including the military coup and establishment of a socialist regime under Maxamed Siyaad Barre.
The imperial partition in the late 19th century established British control over Somaliland, which soon faced significant challenges. The British administration encountered a profound threat when a religious revolt emerged, spearheaded by Sheikh Maxamed Cabdulle Xasan, also known to the British as the Mad Mullah. A member of the Ogaadeen clan and an adherent of the Ṣaliḥiyyah religious order, Sheikh Maxamed initially collaborated with the British. However, his relationship soured in 1899 due to conflicts with Christian missions and the colonial administration. These tensions laid the groundwork for a major uprising fueled by anti-colonial sentiment and Islamic solidarity against foreign invaders. Sheikh Maxamed, who assumed the title of Sayyid, rallied his followers, referred to as the dervishes, leveraging conventional Somali clan politics to bolster support. Following the infusion of arms and ammunition—available through ports such as Djibouti—the dervishes successfully resisted five significant military campaigns launched by the British, Italians, and Ethiopians between 1900 and 1904. In 1910, the British opted to retreat to coastal positions, leaving the interior in turmoil, and this effectively allowed Sheikh Maxamed to claim a form of victory. In the years that followed, a new counter-strategy was established, ultimately culminating in the British military’s decisive operations against the dervishes in 1920, which eventually led to the decline of the Sayyid’s influence. Subsequently, British Somaliland regained authority, while Italian Somaliland was relatively undisturbed by the Sayyid’s rebellion, with the Italians consolidating control over southern Somalia. This period also saw the tensions over territorial borders with Ethiopia, particularly highlighted by the Welwel incident in late 1934, eventually leading to the Italo-Ethiopian War and the unification of Italian and Ethiopian Somali territories. With World War II, a reorganization of the Somali territories took place, leading to the eventual independence of both the British and Italian regions in 1960, forming the Somali Republic. The newly independent government’s establishment was marked by clan-based political dynamics, necessitating improvements in communication and governance frameworks between the former British and Italian regions. In the face of internal and external issues, including the aspiration for a greater Somalia encompassing all Somali-speaking regions, Somalia’s foreign policy revolved around unification efforts, which at times resulted in strained relations with neighboring countries. The political landscape took a profound turn following a military coup in 1969 led by Major General Maxamed Siyaad Barre, who initiated a regime emphasizing “Scientific Socialism” while integrating traditional Somali values. This regime initially gained support but ultimately displayed authoritarian tendencies, leading to the suppression of clan loyalties and the centralization of power. The ensuing years were characterized by the militarization of policy and heightened foreign influence, notably tilting relations with socialist states.
The article discusses the historical context of Somalia from the late 19th century to the consolidation of the Somali Republic. Beginning with the establishment of British and Italian Somaliland during the imperial partition, it outlines significant religious and political rebellions against colonial rule, particularly the uprising led by Sheikh Maxamed Cabdulle Xasan. The narrative spans across crucial events influencing Somalia’s political evolution, including influences from surrounding territories and superpowers during and post-World War II. It encapsulates the trajectory from colonial rule to independence, addressing the complexities of clan dynamics and international relations during the formative years of Somalia as a republic.
The historical narrative of Somalia illustrates the significant challenges faced during colonial rule and the efforts towards nationalism under Sheikh Maxamed, culminating in eventual independence. While the establishment of the Somali Republic marked a pivotal turning point, the intricate interplay of clan politics and regional aspirations continued to shape the national identity and foreign relations, influencing Somalia’s socio-political landscape for decades. The subsequent emergence of a socialist regime under Siad Barre underscored the enduring legacy of historical struggles for unity, governance, and external influence, setting the stage for ongoing developments in Somali society.
Original Source: www.britannica.com
