Majeerteen

Majeerteen (also spelled Majerteen or Majeerten) is a Somali clan belonging to the Harti confederation, which is part of the larger Daarod family. Members of the clan are predominantly settled in the northeastern regions of Somalia, particularly Bari, Nugaal, and parts of Mudug, as well as in other Somali towns and abroad.

The name 'Majeerteen' is also used to refer to the political history of the region, which includes the Majeerteen Sultanate that existed on the northeastern coast during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Settlement Areas

The major settlements associated with the clan include the towns of Bosaso, Qandala, Caluula, Bandarbeyla, Eyl, and Garoowe. The economy of these areas has historically been based on fishing, coastal trade, pastoralism, and maritime commerce connected to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Political History

During the medieval and early modern period, the northeastern coast was administered by a local sultanate ruled by Majeerteen sultans. This sultanate entered into trade and security agreements with European powers of the time, particularly Italy, which served as a precursor to the region's eventual incorporation into Italian colonial rule over Somalia. Armed resistance emerged in the region, leading to the establishment of a local autonomous administration in the early 20th century.

Modern Period

Following the collapse of the Somali central government in 1991, the regions where clan members are predominantly settled became part of Puntland, a regional administration established in 1998 as part of the Somali federal state. The political system of this administration is based on power-sharing arrangements among the clans of the region, including the various Majeerteen segments and other Harti clans.