Maakhir

Maakhir was a self-proclaimed state that represented the political will of the Warsangali Darod within federal Somalia.[2][3] The Warsangali were one of the principal actors in the creation of the Puntland State as a successor to the Harti Sultanates after the collapse of the central government in Somalia in 1991. However, since the proclamation of an autonomous Puntland in 1998, most of Warsangali felt that they were sidelined while the Majeerteen clan assumed a hegemonic role in the state.[4] Maakhir was brought back into the Puntland fold by General Abdullahi Ahmed Jama ("Ilkajir"), who contested the Puntland election. General Ilkajir became the de facto leader of Maakhir following the dissolution of the Maakhir administration.[5]

Maakhir State proclaimed autonomy at a 1 July 2007[6] ceremony in Badhan in response to overlapping claims of Somaliland and Puntland over the western Sanaag and western Bari, both of which have led to several gun battles over control of the territory between Somaliland and Puntland.[7] Puntland and Somaliland have signed oil concessions in this part of Sanaag,[8] without the consent of the local leadership.[9] This contributed to the desire of the local Warsangali to administer their own affairs, and to resolve disputes with Mohamud Muse Hersi, the former President of Puntland.[10]

Maakhir's form of self-governance like that of Puntland rested on the bottom-up approach endorsed by the international community for a federal Somalia. This self-governing model, which mandates a decentralized local level of government within Somalia, was seen as a workable long-term political strategy in resolving inter-group disputes.[2]

Maakhir built institutions such as civil society, law enforcement, xeer (customary law), and Shariah-based district courts. It also established a local military and naval establishment that protects the region's marine and land resources and which provides safety and access to the flow and supply of humanitarian aid, the normal operation of international and local NGOs, as well as the implementation of programs of the United Nations Development Programme. Maakhir's other stated aim was to provide much-needed public services by opening up a treasury office in Badhan, to ensure governance structures for the safety and maintenance of Laasqoray Port, and the protection of private local enterprises whose operational management and ownership fall under the guidance of the private sector of Maakhir state.[11] A third objective was to manage the complex local conflicts by strengthening the already existing traditional mechanisms, which will be consolidated and run by the Department of Justice.

Maakhir sought to structure consensus around peace, internal security, market stability, cooperation and unity of purpose with its neighbors; and build bridges of trust and social harmony across dividing political lines and between opposing interests and groupings.

Neither Somaliland or Puntland have recognized the state. Despite rumored talks with Ali Mohammed Ghedi, the former Prime Minister of Somalia, the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia declined to comment on the status of Maakhir and regarded Puntland as the official authority of the region.[12]

There were still efforts to reestablish the state on 2018.[13]

Maakhir State of Somalia was the descendant of the Sultanate of Mohamoud Ali Shire (Warsangali Sultanate) which is the oldest sultanate in Somalia with a rich history and heritage. The old capital of the Warsangali sultanate was Las Khorey.

The Sultanate of Mohamoud Ali Shire was considered by colonial authorities as having largely hegemonic authority over the other Harti sultanates, and the Warsangali played a large role in 19th century administration of Italian and British Somaliland. As the 20th century began however, the British and Italians ended the independence of the semi-independent Sultanates, and the Harti Confederation was dissolved in the midst of Italian and British rule, ending the traditional role of the Warsangali. Sultan Mohamoud Ali Shireh was exiled to the Seychelles – "the islands to which many prominent anti-colonial leaders used to be exiled".[14]

After independence, the Majeerteen emerged as the leaders of the Harti group following the USP's merger with SYL—active political parties on the eve of Somali independence. The Warsangali have however maintained their preeminent position as the traditional leaders of the Harti. This has challenged Puntland's attempts to assert its authority in Sanaag and western Bari.[15]

Boharo (formerly known as Heylaan) is a region in the semi-autonomous state of Maakhir.[22] The capital of Boharo is Dhahar, the second largest town in Maakhir and the "second city" after the state capital Badhan. The governor of Boharo is Abdirizak Osman Adan and his deputy is Ahmed Hasan. Boharo comprises six districts: 1) Dhahar, the regional capital; 2) Ceelaayo; 3) Bali-Busle; 4) Baragaha Qol; 5) Buraan; and, 6) Hingalol.

The disputed status between Puntland has also meant that Sanaag as a whole may not have received all the available and apportioned aid from UN non-governmental organizations (NGO)s and aid agencies. The newly established Maakhir government has made this issue one of their first priorities, and appealed to the Warsangali Diaspora for assistance.[23]

• Somaliland-Puntland dispute