SUMMARY
The Xawaadle is part of the vast Somali clan system. The origins of the group are unclear and disputed amongst clan members. Allegedly, the founder of the clan was a maternal son of the Hawiye meaning that his mother belonged to the larger Hawiye clan but not his father. Since genealogy is paternal the Xawaadle could therefore not be considered a part of the Hawiye family but as a sub-clan of the Mayle Samaale, the clan of his father and one of the oldest common ancestors of most Somali clans. However, the founder of the Xawaadle was raised by the Hawiye clan family, wherefore the sub-clan is more commonly referred to as a Hawiye clan.
The Hawiye is one of Somalia’s largest clan families representing an estimated 25% of the country’s total population. Members of the clan family mainly reside in central and southern parts of Somalia (Mudug and the Benadir regions), but large numbers can also be found in neighboring countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia. The Hawiye played a major role in the ousting of former president Siad Barre, as the main rebel group that eventually succeeded in overthrowing him, USC (United Somali Congress), was primarily based among this clan. The Hawiye clan is relatively powerful in economic terms due to a large community in Mogadishu. The rural based Hawiye are commonly also involved in lucrative trade, but are also pastoralist. Many of the clans and sub-clans of the Hawiye clan family have remained influential in Somalia.
As the rest of the Hawiye clan, the Xawaadle inhabits central Somalia and more specifically the Hiran region.
Traditional leaders called Ugas are responsible for governing the clan. These leaders often have strong political powers and are responsible for maintaining good relations with neighboring clans. However, like many other ethnic groups in Somalia, the Xawaadle has constructed its own clan militia and engaged in non-state conflicts with rivaling clans since early 1990’s.
The Xawaadle clan (Hawiye) has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.
