Gedo, Jubbaland and the Translocal Marehan

Abstract

Processes of state fragmentation have become more evident in Somalia in recent years, reflecting both national and sub-national factors as well as their intersection with regional and global dynamics. Gedo region – and its dominant Marehan clan constituency – provides one such example, with its ongoing and ambiguous incorporation into the Federal Member State of Jubbaland.

The report highlights the importance of understanding territoriality – the relationship between identity and territory – in processes of state fragmentation.