By: Abdullahi H. Daud Warsame
Background
Throughout history, Somalis have faced intense inter-clan competition, often marked by disputes over land, power, and resources. Clan distinctions have played a key role in these conflicts. Each clan may have some slight differences in its own everyday local practices that distinguish it from neighboring clans, for example, blood compensation, handling hostile situations, and methods of conflict resolution.
However, many of these practices are rooted in broader cultural traditions of the Somali people (Xeer Soomaali). Somali clans generally avoid conflict, but they rarely accept being good neighbors; clashes with nearby clans are common and can escalate to involve other affiliated clans. Among Somalis, boasting and exaggerating a clan’s traditions and stories are seen as offensive to rival clans.
The main purpose of these stories and traditions is to highlight the superiority of one’s clan and the achievements of their ancestors over others. This belief is widely accepted, and most Somali studies link instability to clan motivations, which pose a significant challenge to security across the Horn of Africa region.
In this context, the ongoing Zaila clan conflict reflects Somalia’s historical background. The situation arose after UNESCO recognized Somali Isse clan traditions (Xeer Ciise), which sparked conflict in the historic town of Zeila (Saylac).
There is no evidence to suggest that the Isse (Ciise) clan traditions ever governed the Zeila district or nearby areas at any point in history. Therefore, the main question of this article is whether UNESCO previously considered these historical contexts before recognizing clan tradition, which has never officially governed any state or territory.
What potential consequences could this recognition have, and how might UNESCO’s involvement contribute to civil unrest among otherwise peaceful residents of Somali territories? What is the most effective way to resolve this issue?
The Zeila Crisis
The ancient city of Zeila (Saylac) has a rich history tied to various civilizations, predating the advent of Islam. The tribes there have consistently faced challenges and competition rooted in their tribal identities and control over resources. Despite sharing similar customs and religion, they, like other Somali clans, compete for dominance and resources. Records indicate that the Gadabursi clan was the first in Adal territory to sign an agreement with the British in 1884, thereby establishing its authority in Zeila and cementing its role as the dominant clan in the Adal Sultanate. It is also known that the Isse clan resides in the area and plays a significant role. Both tribes have historically inhabited the region and have the right to do so.
Tensions flared when plans were made to present an UNESCO-recognized Isse tradition book in Zeila, claiming Zeila City as the sole land of the Isse clan, without making accommodations with the Gadabursi clan, the region’s dominant group. Without taking sides with any specific clan, the reality on the ground shows that the Gadabursi clan considers Zeila an integral part of their identity.
Following the clashes that erupted on Thursday, October 2, 2025, between youth from the Gadabursi and Isse clans, the conflict escalated when Isse elders unilaterally weaponized the Issa clan tradition book, recognized by UNESCO, at the expense of other clans. This prompted Gadabursi elders in Zeila to boycott the book presentation in Zeila, which led to the violence. The propaganda spread to nearby areas, affecting regions hundreds of kilometers away. This issue can lead to aggressive reactions that affect regional stability, since both clans coexist in Somaliland, Djibouti, and Ethiopia.
Despite the clan’s propaganda, there is no evidence to suggest that the Adal Sultanate or Empire Authority followed specific Somali clan traditions. The available literature indicates that the Adal Sultanate was governed by Islamic laws and had wise Islamic counselors from Middle Eastern Kingdoms. Many of the Zeila governors weren’t even Somali. However, the local tribes played a significant role in the city’s business and administration, particularly after they entered into agreements with the British. Delaying resolution could have serious consequences and may fall under UNESCO’s responsibility.
Role of UNESCO
It’s clear that UNESCO’s endorsement of clan tradition has sparked conflict and could potentially lead to a civil war in the most peaceful region of the Horn of Africa. If the conflict escalates, UNESCO might be held responsible for the consequences of its endorsement and the resulting instability in Zeila and nearby areas.
Following the comments of one of the authors of the Isse tradition book, Haji Abdulle Haji Osman, who intentionally escalated the situation by referring to other prominent, likely dominant clans in the region as immigrants or guests with no right to speak on Zeila’s interests. Some Gadabursi elders see this as an existential threat, which nearly caused a second wave of conflict on October 15, 2025. Since UNESCO has universalized such personality writings, they cannot avoid responsibility.
Given the complex relationships among Somali tribes, UNESCO should have addressed the implications of recognizing clan customs. It was crucial to specify that the book’s recognition should not threaten or challenge the status quo, politicize the issue, or encourage game-theoretic behavior among regional actors, including Djibouti, Somaliland, Ethiopia, and the Federal Government of Somalia.
Although a thorough review has not yet been conducted, initial observations of the Isse tradition suggest the vetting process may have been inadequate. If so, a better approach would have been to involve tribal leaders, interest groups, and academic institutions in reviewing the book beforehand, ensuring it accurately represents each region without ambiguity. Due to the lack of such safeguards, UNESCO bears primary responsibility for managing potential disputes among the tribes.
Conclusion
To foster peace and stability, regional authorities and UNESCO must promote mutual understanding and cooperation. First, the book should not be introduced to the Zeila community until local clans have reviewed and agreed that it does not threaten their interests. Second, the book should encourage political dialogue rather than division among tribes and should align with Somaliland’s government interests, given that Zeila is under its control. Third, UNESCO must ensure that recognizing the book does not incite civil war or damage Zaila’s historic sites; this is directly within UNESCO’s responsibilities and carries legal weight. Additionally, Somaliland authorities should work to balance power among the tribes, considering the current reality,and establish effective governance in Zeila.
Finally, all clans must acknowledge that Zeila’s significance to UNESCO and the public stems from its ancient historical sites, which are separate from traditional Somali clan practices. Clarifying Zeila’s importance is essential for UNESCO’s future efforts.
Abdullahi Haji-Daud Warsame is a PhD scholar in Defense and Strategic Studies and a former senior diplomat who served as Head of Mission at the Somali Embassy in Moscow. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Somali Stream.
