SUMMARY

The Ogaden is by far the largest Somali clan family in Ethiopia. Mainly inhabiting the Somali National Regional State (SNRS) in south-eastern Ethiopia, the Ogaden also occupy territory in north-eastern Kenya and southern Somalia and there is considerable movement between the three countries as many group members have kin in all these states. The group is predominantly pastoralists.

While the Ogaden group is the largest one in Somali state (hence the traditional name of the region) there are numerous other Somali sub-clans residing in the region. Alleged Ogaden hegemony tendencies have given rise to tensions with other Somali clans, sub-clans as well as sub-sub-clans.

The Ogaden clan comprises the bulk of the Ogaden National Liberation front (ONLF), an armed group that is fighting for independence for the region.

The Ogaden clan has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.