Isaaq genocide

Quick Facts: Who was Isaaq genocide?

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Isaaq genocide

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Systematic genocide against Isaaq civilians in northern Somalia (1987–1989).

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Origins & Early Life

The Isaaq genocide also known as the Hargeisa Holocaust, was the systematic, state-sponsored genocide of Isaaq civilians between 1987 and 1989, during the Somaliland War of Independence. It was carried out under the dictatorship of Siad Barre, president of the Somali Democratic Republic. The number of civilian deaths is estimated to be between 50,000 and 200,000. The genocide, which escalated after the Somali National Movement (SNM)'s 1988 Northern Somalia offensive, was marked by intense fighting that included SNM attacks on Ogaden refugee camps. These refugees, who had arrived after the 1977 Ogaden War, were viewed by the SNM as a paramilitary force used by the state to colonize Isaaq land.

Career & Major Achievements

The genocide included the levelling and complete destruction of the largest and second largest cities in Somaliland, Hargeisa (which was 90 percent destroyed) and Burao (70 percent destroyed), respectively. In addition, up to 500,000 Somalilanders, primarily of the Isaaq clan, fled across the border as refugees to Hart Sheik, Ethiopia, in what was described as "one of the fastest and largest forced movements of people recorded in Africa," which resulted in the creation of the world's then-largest refugee camp. An additional 400,000 Somalilanders were internally displaced. The scale of destruction led to Hargeisa becoming known as the 'Dresden of Africa'. The killings happened during the Somali Civil War and have been referred to as a "forgotten genocide".

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In the countryside, the persecution of Isaaq included the creation of a mechanised section of the Somali Armed Forces dubbed as Dabar Goynta Isaaqa (lit. 'The Isaaq Exterminators') consisting entirely of non-Isaaqs (mainly Ogaden); this unit conducted a "systematic pattern of attacks against unarmed, civilian villages, watering points and grazing areas of Somaliland, killing many of their residents and forcing survivors to flee for safety to remote areas". This resulted in entire villages being depopulated and towns getting plundered. Rape was also used as a weapon against Isaaqs. Rakiya Omaar of Human Rights Watch states that this unit, along with other branches of the military, were responsible for terrorising Isaaq nomads in the countryside.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1977: 1977 Milestone — These refugees, who had arrived after the 1977 Ogaden War, were viewed by the SNM as a paramilitary force used by the state to colonize Isaaq land.
2. 1987: 1987 Milestone — The Isaaq genocide also known as the Hargeisa Holocaust, was the systematic, state-sponsored genocide of Isaaq civilians between 1987 and 1989, during the Somaliland War of Independence.
3. 1988: 1988 Milestone — The genocide, which escalated after the Somali National Movement (SNM)'s 1988 Northern Somalia offensive, was marked by intense fighting that included SNM attacks on Ogaden refugee camps.

Notable Quotes by Isaaq genocide

“Based on the totality of evidence collected in Somaliland and elsewhere both during and after his mission, the consultant firmly believes that the crime of genocide was conceived, planned and perpetrated by the Somali Government against the Isaaq people of northern Somalia between 1987 and 1989.” (2001)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Isaaq genocide

True or False: “The systematic destruction of Hargeisa during the genocide was comparable to the historical event known as the Dresden bombing.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The article states that the scale of destruction led to Hargeisa becoming known as the 'Dresden of Africa'.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Isaaq genocide