Pride and Rejection of Dependence

The history of Awdal region is ancient, rooted in the famous Adal Empire, known for its influence in trade, culture, and politics in the Horn of Africa, with the historical city of Zeila serving as its centre.

Over the years, the people of Awdal have maintained a strong sense of identity and belonging, despite challenges posed by colonial powers and civil wars. Historical accounts note that the first Somali movement against Western colonialism and the call for Somali unity emerged from the elite of the Gadabuursi tribe, specifically through the Somali Youth League (SYL), which held its first meetings in the home of the late Ourdoh in the city of Dredawa, Ethiopia.

After the collapse of the Somali central government in 1991, the Somali National Movement (SNM) took control of the Awdal region with significant material and moral support from Ethiopia. This front fought against the Somali government in the north and ultimately led to the establishment of the Somaliland administration, which claims independence from Somalia and suppresses Awdal people who reject secession.

The establishment of Awdal State Movement in August 2023 is a response to the ongoing marginalization of Awdal people and the hijacking of their legitimate aspirations for recognition and independence within the federal states of Somalia, rejecting the usurping separatist ideas. This aims to enable the region to play its natural role in contributing to the security of the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

Current Challenges

Awdal region currently faces significant challenges, including the crises and security disturbances in the Red Sea area, and Ethiopia’s attempts to annex key territories in Awdal region, including its historical cities: Borama, Zeila, and Lughaya. The latter two are coastal cities that Ethiopia seeks to occupy, as evidenced by the memorandum of understanding signed between the Ethiopian Prime Minister and the leader of the separatist entity in northern Somalia, Musa Bihi Abdi, allowing Addis Ababa to establish a sovereign military base in the waters of Awdal region, which has sparked anger among local residents opposing secession from Somalia.

It is also known that Awdal region is isolated from the rest of Somalia, separated by the Somaliland separatist areas, and a lack of support poses a significant barrier to development and meeting the needs of the Awdal community.