SUMMARY

The Galgalo (also known as Galgale), is a minority group, which means that the group falls outside the Somali clan system. However, the Galgale have by tradition been associated with the Hawie clan’s Abgal clan, inhabiting the same territories. However, as the Abgal considered them a ‘low-caste’ group, relations between the two groups increasingly deteriorated and many of the Galgalo subsequently started to identify more with Nuh Mohamud sub-clan of Darod clan. This has also been apparent when members of Galgalo have tended to group up with the Nuh Mohaud in refugee camps where, as a result of the various conflicts in Somalia, refugees try to gather up with kinsmen.

In the final days of Siyad Barre’s presidency, members of Galgalo were armed by the government in order to target opposition forces. They were considered loyal to Barre as they feared what would happen if the Hawiye-dominated rebel group USC (United Somali Congress) would take power.

The Galgalo have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.