SUMMARY

The Forces of Ahmed Sheikh Buraleh was, as the name tells, led by Ahmed Sheikh Buraleh of the Marehan clan, which is one of the major Darod sub-clans and a part of the Sede confederation of clans. The Marehan clan is rather scattered and reside in Lower Jubaland, Gedo and Middle Jubaland in the south and south-west of Somalia. In addition, there are clan-members in Mudug region in central Somalia and in the Ethiopian Ogaden province. The clan has been divided between one Islamist and one secular group. During the rule of former president Siad Barre (himself member of the Marehan clan), the clan managed to build up a strong military as well as political position. However, rifts appeared when the clan did not reach a consensus regarding Barre’s successor and multiple armed groups with a basis in the Darod clan emerged. In the context of rivalry, the Majerteen clan has traditionally been the main rival to the Marehan clan. Buraleh was supporting the interim government, TNG (Transitional National Government) which was headed by interim President Abdiquasim Salat Hassan between 2001 and 2004. TNG was an attempt to establish a unity government of Somalia 2001 after the Arta peace conference that was held in 2000. The interim government was represented by numerous clans but never managed to reunite with Somaliland and Puntland in order to create a cohesive Somalia under one legitimate government. In addition, numerous factions were still fighting for the control over Mogadishu in the early 21th century.

As a result of his support on TNG, Buraleh was opposed by SRRC (Somali Reconciliation and Restoration Council), an organisation created in opposition of TNG. Besides this, little is known in regards to the Forces of Ahmed Sheikh Buraleh.

The Forces of Ahmed Sheikh Buraleh have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP