- Source: Hoosingo
Historical Overview
Hoosingo is a district in the southeastern Lower Juba (Jubbada Hoose) region of Somalia. It is situated on the border with Kenya, and its population is estimated at around 40,000-60,000. Hoosingo is entirely populated by the Sheekhaal clan, mainly Awqudub and other Sheekhaal sub-clans such as Abiib and Abdi Sheikh. It is one of the largest districts in Lower Juba regarding landmass and is home to over 20 towns.
The town is one of the oldest in the Waamo region and has a history dating back several centuries. The people of Hoosingo have been peace-loving and are known for their spirituality, being the pioneers of the old Islamic spread across Somalia. The town is a hub for Islamic learning, with many scholars coming from the area.
The economy of Hoosingo is primarily based on livestock, with the town being one of the largest livestock markets in the region. Livestock is the primary source of income for many families, and it is often traded for food, goods, and other services. Additionally, there are small businesses in the town that provide services to the local community, such as shops and restaurants. The region has been home to large wildlife populations before the Civil War but has been depleted due to a lack of conservation and hunting.
The region was among the earliest to be inhabited within the Waamo region. The initial settlers were also among the first to engage in the Somali/Galla conflict, which enabled the settlement of Somali clans in the other Waamo regions. Numerous gallant military leaders from this region emerged as prominent figures within the Somali forces, bravely confronting the formidable Galla adversaries in fierce battles. These engagements were pivotal, as they took place amidst the dominance of the powerful Galla forces and the determination of Somali clans in Waamo. These pioneering individuals extended their efforts beyond Hoosingo and its environs to the NDF and other parts of the Waamo region, significantly contributing to the liberation of the Somali inhibited areas from then the formidable Galla fighters.
Townships within the district & main economic activities
Economic Activities & Climatic induced challenges
The people of Hoosingo district have traditionally thrived as pastoralists, with cattle (Zebu and Borana type) serving as their primary source of sustenance and income. Renowned as one of the largest cattle herding areas in the region, they have maintained a deep-seated tradition of cattle breeding. Despite this predominant pastoral lifestyle, certain areas within the district have cultivated drought-resistant crops like sorghum and millet. Though crop farming remains limited, pockets of the region show promising potential for agriculture, particularly during the rainy season when ample rainfall leads to the formation of expansive swamps capable of sustaining irrigation. With proper infrastructure and support, these areas could significantly boost crop yields, catering not only to local needs but potentially extending beyond the region.
However, the full agricultural potential of Hoosingo faces significant challenges. The lack of modern farming techniques, insufficient access to technology, limited agricultural knowledge, pervasive poverty, and inadequate support from NGOs and government entities have hindered agricultural development. These obstacles impede efforts to maximize the productivity of arable lands and capitalize on seasonal rainfall for sustained crop production.
There has been a noticeable shift also among Hoosingo residents towards camel husbandry. Recognizing the suitability of the area for camel rearing, many farmers are transitioning from traditional cattle keeping to embracing camel herding practices. This shift not only reflects adaptive strategies to climatic conditions but also highlights a growing recognition of the economic and ecological benefits associated with camel husbandry in this region.
The region is frequently afflicted by droughts and other natural calamities, significantly impacting the local economy and the livelihoods of its inhabitants. These adversities have exacerbated poverty levels, stymied development efforts, and restricted access to fundamental services such as education and healthcare. Despite being administratively part of Jubbaland, Hoosingo has been neglected by regional authorities, resulting in inadequate support and attention. This neglect has perpetuated a narrative of the town as a marginalized area, further compounded by deliberate efforts to undermine its status. Consequently, NGOs have faced considerable obstacles in accessing the region, impeding their ability to deliver crucial services and aid to the community.
Despite these formidable challenges, the local administration in Hoosingo, bolstered by the dedication of its residents and support from the diaspora, has made notable advancements in meeting the basic needs of the population. Efforts to enhance access to essential services such as education, clean water, and healthcare have shown significant improvement, driven by the relentless commitment of the community members. However, the town continues to grapple with the repercussions of insufficient support from regional authorities, which has profoundly hampered its developmental potential and prospects for prosperity.
Moreover, the restricted access of NGOs and international organizations to Hoosingo has compounded these difficulties, limiting the community's access to critical resources and funding essential for sustainable development. Despite these adversities, the resilience and determination of the local population remain steadfast, driving ongoing efforts to overcome obstacles and improve the quality of life in the face of adversity.
Traditional Leadership
In Hoosingo there is a steeped rich tradition of ancient and time-honoured traditional leadership that has endured for centuries. This traditional governance has been the bedrock of the community's self-rule and harmonious co-existence with neighbouring clans. They have played a pivotal role in conflict mediation and resolution in the region, earning the admiration and respect of many.
Suldan Abdullah Haji, one of the most celebrated Hoosingo traditional leaders, was once the overall Suldaan of the 'Aji' Somali clans in the Waamo regions. He fiercely advocated Somalia's self-rule, using his position and influence to fight colonialism and foreign domination. With the aid of the army commanders the 'Sagaales' who represented different sub-clans in the district, he protected and preserved the community's cultural heritage, ensuring that it remained intact for future generations.
Today, the traditional leadership still flourishes in Hoosingo, with the clans being led by the 'sagaale'. The successor of Suldan Abdullah Haji traditional, his son, Suldan Mohamed Suldan Abdullahi Haji, has followed in the footsteps of his predecessors, working tirelessly for the betterment of his people and the entire Waamo region. His leadership has been characterized by boldness, vision, and a deep commitment to his people's welfare. The longstanding tradition of leadership in Hoosingo has been the backbone of the community's peace, stability, and progress. It has fostered a strong sense of belonging and unity, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard, and everyone's interests are protected
Education & Other Social amenities
Education and other essential social amenities in Hoosingo are severely lacking, marking some of the lowest standards both locally and internationally. The district's only school is primarily sustained, initiated and supported by local residents and diaspora communities. Among these communities are individuals of considerable skill and education, many of whom reside both internationally and in various parts of Somalia, notably Mogadishu. Despite the presence of highly educated diaspora members, education access in Hoosingo remains among the lowest in the region, owing to limited backing from regional authorities and NGOs.
The existing school serves not only the administrative center but also outlying towns and pastoralist communities in the vicinity. Efforts are ongoing to enhance educational access for all residents of Hoosingo, with particular emphasis on expanding opportunities for those originating from the district.
Access to healthcare services in Hoosingo is notably deficient, with the sole hospital serving the district established through efforts primarily driven by diaspora and local community contributions. However, the facility faces critical challenges including inadequate capacity due to shortages of qualified medical personnel, essential medicines, and medical equipment. External support is virtually non-existent, reflecting a broader neglect of the area's healthcare needs, compounded by political considerations in resource allocation by the NGOs controlled by regional authorities.
Furthermore, Hoosingo is falsely designated as a no-go zone, exacerbating the absence of essential services such as healthcare. The lack of NGO presence further underscores the limited access to crucial medical resources and aid.
In terms of water supply, the town relies on two wells, which generally suffice but are susceptible to setbacks like maintenance deficiencies and capacity strain during droughts, particularly when the demand rises for both human consumption and livestock needs. Surrounding towns typically rely on dug wells and natural swamps, lacking access to modern well infrastructure.
The Battle of Hoosingo
On January 22, 2012, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers were deployed to liberate Hoosingo, southern Somalia, in coordination with Somalia’s Transitional Federation Forces (TFG) and the local clan militia who were then heavily armed. The mission, part of Operation Linda Nchi, aimed to combat the Al-Shabaab militant group and stabilize the region. This deployment marked a significant step in the collaborative efforts between Kenya and Somalia to address the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
The operation faced significant challenges from the outset. The KDF soldiers encountered an ambush by Al-Shabaab fighters, leading to a fierce two-hour battle. In the engagement, the KDF sustained casualties alongside those from the allied local clan militia. Their loss deeply impacted the morale of the troops, yet it also galvanized their determination to complete the mission.
Reinforcements arrived on April 4. The first military chaplain deployed to the front line, who played a dual role in providing both spiritual support and active combat assistance. The arrival of these reinforcements was crucial, As the KDF forces were outnumbered and facing dwindling ammunition supplies, the TFG and clan militia forces managed to hold their ground due to their superior local knowledge.
The mission culminated in a six-hour confrontation where approximately KDF, TFG and local soldiers repelled an estimated 500 to 800 Al-Shabaab fighters. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the troops managed to hold their ground. The battle for Hoosingo was a turning point for Operation Linda Nchi.
References
https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/kenya-forces-kill-20-civilians-in-hoosingo-somalia.
http://sdrb.gov.so/regions/lower-jubba
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2011/03/somalia-troops-kenya-allegedly-bombed-civilians-lower-jubba/.
Hoosingo
https://www.so.undp.org/content/somalia/en/home/countryinfo/jubbaland-state-of-somalia.html.
https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/somalia-humanitarian-bulletin-1-july-31-august-2020.