Talk:Somaliland

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• Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20060615230152/http://somaliawatch.org/archivedec02/021207202.htm to http://www.somaliawatch.org/archivedec02/021207202.htm
• Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20140312061049/http://www.somaliareport.com/index.php/post/3271/What_is_Khatumo_State to http://www.somaliareport.com/index.php/post/3271/What_is_Khatumo_State
• Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20110216012432/http://saylicipress.net/2009/09/08/the-declaration-of-adal-state/ to http://saylicipress.net/2009/09/08/the-declaration-of-adal-state/
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Reverted edit July 2017

I have reverted the addition of some contentious material to the article regarding a report on SNM as the source in question contradicts other academic sources, for example in Building Peace and the State in Somaliland: The Factors of Success, Timothy A. Ridou states : "In January 1991, SNM forces were on the verge of capturing Borama, the most important Gadabuursi town. Instead of plundging into battle, they paused to negotiate a ceasefire which was mediated by SNM Colonel Abdirahman Aw Ali, a Gadabuursi. The Gadabuursi leaders were then persuaded to attend the Berbera conference", a different quote from the same text states: "By early 1990, Siad Barre had lost most of his control over northwest Somalia. With the situation in Somaliland clearly favoring the SNM, minority clans and clan-families living in the former British protectorate reached out to SNM leaders. The primary minority clans are the Gadabuursi and ‘Iise (Dir clan-family) in the west, and the Warsangeli and Dulbahante (Darood clan-family, Harti clan) in the east. Few members of these clans were affiliated with the SNM, and many sided with Siad Barre’s regime during the civil war. However, the Isaaq-dominated SNM adopted a policy of reconciliation with Somaliland’s minority clans instead of attempting to fight to the bitter end." source.--Kzl55 (talk) 14:33, 28 July 2017 (UTC)

You share a source I can't even access. They might've paused to negotiate a cease-fire in January, but the SNM continued with the assault in February 1991 as mentioned by the sources and I quote "In the northwest, the SNM assaulted and pillaged Borama, causing about 80,000 people to flee to Ethiopia. Additionally, the SNM attacked villages in Sanaag region and supposedly killed hundreds of non-combatant civilians"" [1]. “full-scale assault on Borama” on February 5[2]

Do you mind to share the PDF file? Google books mentioned a SNM attack on Borama, which you want to hide, but every Somali is aware of. Seeing you created the Isaaq genocide page it's only normal that you are biased and want to hide the massacres committed by the SNM against other clans. I would like to remind you Wikipedia is not a tool for Propaganda.Jamalwalal 15:01, 29 July

Please stop adding contentious material to the article. I have provided you with an example of one of many academic sources completely contradicting the content you are inserting into the article. Arguing you can not access the source is no reason to engage in an edit war, I have provided a verifiable link to a reliable source. Please resolve the issue in the talk page instead of edit warring. I would also avoid personal attacks, these dont go very far on Wikipedia.

Timothy A. Ridou states "In January 1991, SNM forces were on the verge of capturing Borama, the most important Gadabuursi town. Instead of plundging into battle, they paused to negotiate a ceasefire which was mediated by SNM Colonel Abdirahman Aw Ali, a Gadabuursi", he also clearly notes " However, the Isaaq-dominated SNM adopted a policy of reconciliation with Somaliland’s minority clans instead of attempting to fight to the bitter end." source. In State Recognition and Democratization in Sub-Saharan Africa, H. Kyed states: "When the SNM took over the northwest in early 1991, tensions between the Isaaq on the one hand and the Gadabuursi, Ciisa, Dhulbahante, and Warsangeeli on the other were high because the later clans had fought for Barre until his fall. In this situation, the SNM which after its victory over the Somali National Army became the superior military power in the region proposed peace negotiations." [3]. Anna Lindley states "the SNM reached hargeisa in February 1991. Some people of the non-Isaq groups (Gadabursi, Dhulbahante and Gaboye) fled to Ethiopia, fearing reprisals while other displaced people returned to a bombed-out and nearly deserted Hargeisa...." [4]. Again, I would continue the discussion on the talk page before adding or removing anything from the page. --Kzl55 (talk) 12:51, 29 July 2017 (UTC)

There is nothing contentious about the fact that the SNM invaded and pillaged Borama. Your sources don't prove that there was no attack carried out by the SNM on Borama in February, rather just mention their were negotiations in January, but the attack was subsequently continued in February as my source states [5]. “full-scale assault on Borama” on February 5[6]. 2 complete different months. There have been reconciliations but the SNM attack was still carried on Borama and the surrounding areas along with Ethiopian troops. Why would the people of Borama, the Gadabursi flee to Ethiopia fearing reprisal in February if there was no attack carried out? Thus you are contradicting yourself. There was also an attack on the town of Dilla at the end of January.[7]. Furthermore the SNM radio network also mentions a full scaled attack on Borama and I quote"On 5 February, according to the radio network of the SNM, the movement "launched a full-scale war on Boorama" against remnants of the Somali Armed Forces and followed up the next day with "mopping-up" operations throughout the region of Awdal. Boorama was "heavily shelled" in the attack and by the end of the month, 30,000 refugees, the majority of them Gadabursi, had fled to Ethiopia. The Gadabursi have been "traditionally at odds with the Isaak " clan"[8] ~~ JamalWalal, 20:48 , 29 July 2017 (UTC)

On Wikipedia, if someone adds contentious material, they can not edit war, they must use the talk page to further discuss and reach a consensus. You argue that Borama was attacked and pillaged by the SNM, but Kzl55 has brought sources that say otherwise. I suggest you stop adding contentious materials and wait for a consensus to be reached on the talk page before further editing. As for your discussion about why did the Gadabursi flee due to reprisal, that can be answered by the simple fact that they were one of the clans that were in collaboration, and were heavily armed by the Barre regime [9]. Another source indicates that the Gadabursi fled due to fear of reprisals, but that SNM decided against mass retaliation [10]. Your contention that Ethiopian troops collaborated with the SNM in 1991 is questionable, particularly when taking into consideration the fact that in 1988, Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to stop supporting each other's opposition movements, thus severing ties with the SNM [11]. With regards to your source about the SNM radio, it clearly states that the SNM was launching an offensive against remnants of the Somali Armed Forces and not the civilians. This also relates to your source about Dilla, where it states that the SNM came into clash with Gadabursi militia in the town.

As mentioned previously, the material you have added is highly contentious, and sources discussing this subject are conflicting. To prevent any edit warring from occurring, it would be best to continue discussing this topic on the talk page until a consensus has been reached. Koodbuur (talk) 18:12, 29 July 2017 (UTC)

The user Kzl55 didn't bring forth any sources that prove there was no attack on Borama or Dilla. Rather he proved that there were negotiations for a cease-fire in January. The Borama and Dilla attack subsequently happened at the end of January (Dilla) and the attack on Borama on the 5th of February. We can conclude that a cease-fire was not reached or short lived. Provided my information that is being removed is both relevant, and sourced to a reliable source, repeated removal is WP:Disruptive editing. Your source clearly contradicts your statement "Within two weeks after the overthrow Siyad Barre on 27 January 1991, the SNM had taken control of the major cities in North-West Somalia. Militias of the Gadabursi and Harti clans had fought the SNM, together with the government. Some 105,000 Gadabursi and 20,000 ‘Iisa fled to Ethiopia in fear of SNM reprisal. "[12]. How did the SNM take control of the major cities? Again proving me right that the SNM invaded and pillaged Dilla right after the overthrow of the government in Mogadishu and in February subsequently pillaged and raided Borama. [13],[14],[15], again even the SNM radio network mentions this: [16]. Somalia's Siad Barre regime and Ethiopia's Mengistu regime might've signed an agreement in 1988, but the attack happened after the fall of the regime of Siad Barre, which left no reason for Mengistu to adhere to the agreement, since Gadabursi miliatia were also fighting his regime inside the borders of Ethiopia[17].

I have completely proven that there was an attack on Borama and Dilla towns of the Awdal region and the only thing you concluded was that their were negotiations prior to the attack. The SNM perceived the people of Borama as remnants of the Somali Armed Forces, hence the pillaging and destruction caused to the town of Borama. The SNM radio network doesn't mention that civilians weren't killed.[18], which is highly unlikely seeing the damage caused to Borama and 105000 fleeing over the border into Ethiopia.

Even Somalilandpress, a reliable Somaliland news network mentions an attack on Borama which left 800 people dead.[19] ~~ JamalWalal, 23:36 , 29 July 2017 (UTC)

You first paragraph is full of inferences:

1. We can conclude that a cease-fire was not reached or short lived You cant conclude anything not explicitly said in the text.

2. How did the SNM take control of the major cities? Again proving me right that the SNM invaded and pillaged Dilla right after the overthrow of the government in Mogadishu and in February subsequently pillaged and raided Borama. Again, massive inference. SNM taking control does not equal pillaging and raiding of cities.

3. But the attack happened after the fall of the regime of Siad Barre, which left no reason for Mengistu to adhere to the agreement, since Gadabursi miliatia were also fighting his regime inside the borders of Ethiopia This is another inference, you are trying to string together Mengistu and Gadabursi fighting inside Ethiopia which is clearly unrelated.

As for your second paragraph, you cannot use a source and then disregard with it because you do not agree with it. As for your third paragraph, I do not believe Somalilandpress is a credible site to use as a source, particularly with respect to civilian casualties. Koodbuur (talk) 20:14, 29 July 2017 (UTC)

I have added a number of sources all clearly stating the SNM adopted a policy of reconciliation with groups that collaborated with the regime of dictator Siad Barre (like the Gadabursi) [20], [21]. The fleeing of Gadabursi does not necessarily mean the SNM carried out an attack, please do not makes such leaps, this could be due to their links to dictator Siad Barre as suggested "[these groups] fled to Ethiopia, fearing reprisals" [22]. Furthermore, as editor Koodbuur stated Ethiopia and Somalia have signed treaties and Ethiopia has already expelled the SNM and severed ties with them, which led to the SNM moving inside the borders of the Somali Republic in the first place. Ethiopia aiding SNM in an attack goes against all texts on that period. Additionally, your own source states that the SNM attacked remnants of the Somali Armed Forces in Borama, and not civilians [23].

It is clear that there was some tension between the SNM and Gadabursi militia armed and loyal to dictator Siad Barre, indeed Gadabursi identified with the government as noted by Michael Walls: Siyaad Barre also attempted to utilize clan affiliation in his favour by co-opting the support of the non-Isaaq clans in the north in his fight against the SNM. This worked to some degree, and many though not all of the Harti (in Somaliland, the Dhulbahante and Warsangeli) and Gadabuursi identified with the government. [24] (page 377).

As for the attack on Dilla, Michael Walls addresses this specifically and confirms the citation you’ve previously used stating that the SNM was indeed fighting in Dilla against government forces: In January 1991, in one of the final acts of the northern war, SNM militia had pursued retreating government forces to the town of Dilla, where they fought a ferocious battle. SNM militia had then continued into the main Gadabuursi town of Borama. However, because the SNM leadership believed that the Gadabuursi wished to seek peace, they withdrew their units within 24 hours to allow discussions to take place without the shadow of occupation. Their confidence was rewarded when a brief initial meeting in mid-February in Tulli, just outside Borama, agreed that Gadabuursi delegates would attend the Berbera conference and then resume bilateral talks once it had finished, this time in Borama itself.

From an SNM perspective, these meetings were an expression of the resistance movement's explicit policy that they were fighting the government of Siyaad Barre, rather than the other clans. [25] (page 378).

Two things are clear, 1) the SNM was fighting against government forces (in places like Dilla) and 2) the SNM, upon becoming the superior force in the north, adopted a policy of reconciliation with groups that formerly affiliated themselves with the government of Siad Barre. —Kzl55 (talk) 22:44, 29 July 2017 (UTC)

Clans sub-section

The source provided in the sub-section states that the Sool region is almost exclusively occupied by the Dhulbahante clan, which you can find here , at Page 7.

Same source you used today [26] clearly states The Isaaq subclan Habar Yonis lives in the eastern part of the Xudun district and the very western part of the Laascaanood district, while the Isaaq subclan Habar Jeelo lives in the Caynabo district [27], as such the region is not exclusive any more than Togdheer is not exclusive. --Kzl55 (talk) 10:57, 17 November 2017 (UTC)

The source that states Sool is "Almost exclusively" occupied by Dhulbahante is the report on the fact finding mission on Somalia and Kneya.A source you have yourself used before to support that Erigavo is dominated by Isaaq clans.Xargaga (talk) 11:09, 17 November 2017 (UTC)

The source you have used yourself previously states Isaaq living in three (out of four) districts in Sool, that clearly means the region is not exclusive, especially with one district (Aynabo) being exclusively Isaaq. Togdheer on the other hand has Isaaq exclusively living in three districts, and sharing Buhodle with Harti, yet it can not be described as exclusive. If you read your source (p.7) you would see the use of the word "exclusively" is the opinion of one person, Fatima Jibrell, who also claims the population of Sool region is 99,9% Dulbahante, clearly not true. You are being disruptive, I suggest you stop. --Kzl55 (talk) 11:29, 17 November 2017 (UTC)

Again the source says " almost exclusively", not exclusively, there is a difference. You yourself have supported information contained in the same source on page 6 on the Erigavo article which was the opinion of one person, Matt Bryden, who stated "Erigavo was wholly dominated by the Habr Jallo and Habr Yonis". Although, other users have provided plenty of source which say otherwise you were adamant that sourced information should not be removed. The Dhulbahante also settle in Burao district at Xadhadhan yet that wasn't mentioned, so the Isaaq clans in Qorilugud should not be mentioned either as they are negligible. I have sourced my contribution, using a source which you support and used before, so how am i being disruptive? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Xargaga (talk • contribs) 12:33, 17 November 2017 (UTC)

You are being disruptive through tendentious editing. It is clear that neither "exclusively" nor "almost exclusively" are appropriate when other groups live in three out of four districts of the region, one of which they inhabit exclusively (Aynabo). Matt Bryden is a researcher with expertise in the region, Fatima Jibrell is an informant, clearly not a reliable one at that with claims of 99,9% exclusivity that no one accepts to be true. The "other users" on the Erigavo article you mention were none other than you under a different account. You have been blocked before for the same behaviour. For the last time, I suggest you perform a self-revert. --Kzl55 (talk) 12:56, 17 November 2017 (UTC)

Fatima Jibrell is the Executive Director and founder of Adeso a non-governmental organisation which specifically operates in northern Somalia. She is considered an expert in the political and economic affairs of the northern region of Somalia. she has contributed on dozens of research studies on this subject. Can you explain why Matt Bryden would be more credible an expert than her? She is afforded the same presence in the source, so why is she an informant in this specific study, yet Bryden is not?Xargaga (talk) 13:59, 17 November 2017 (UTC)

I have followed the guidelines set in WP:REF, yet you accuse me of tendentious editing and per the guidelines set in WP:TEND accusations of tendentious editing can be inflammatory and can be seen as a personal attack. You should provide evidence of the tendentious editing you witnessed. If my editing of this article qualifies for tendentious editing why would your editing of the Erigavo not equally qualify?Xargaga (talk) 14:17, 17 November 2017 (UTC)

You are attempting to use the word of an informant claiming Sool to be 99,9% inhabited by Dhulbahante, a claim you can not justify and (I hope) accept to be erroneous, yet you cling on to the usage of the word exclusive. The same paragraph (quoted from the very source you've used) clearly states three out of four districts within Sool are also inhabited by Isaaq, with one district being exclusively inhabited by Isaaq. Going by this skewed usage of the word 'exclusive', the region of Togdheer would then be exclusively inhabited by Isaaq, seeing that they reside in all four of its districts. You were previously blocked (on multiple accounts) for the exact same behaviour. I suggest you perform a self-revert or risk getting another block.

As for your query regarding Bryden vis-à-vis Jibrell, well Jibrell is an environmental activist, Bryden is a researcher with expertise in the Horn of Africa region, a former Special Advisor to the Canadian Ambassador on Somali Affairs, former staff at UNDP, former Horn of Africa Director for the International Crisis Group, former adviser on Somali affairs for the United States Agency for International Development USAID and the US embassy, you get the idea. --Kzl55 (talk) 14:36, 17 November 2017 (UTC)

You say that it is not appropriate to use the word "exclusively" yet its ok to use the word "dominate" in the context of Erigavo?! maybe your tendentious editing. And as you have explained before..introducing your own analysis or conclusion to cited text is considered original research and is not allowed on Wikipedia. For the purposes of this article the source clearly states that Sool is almost exclusively inhabited by Dhulbahante. Anyhow, if your not happy with that particular source, i have included another source which confirms that Sool is almost exclusively inhabited by Dhulbahante, , at p.10. Please do not remove this, to do so would be disruptive editing.Xargaga (talk) 15:33, 17 November 2017 (UTC)

• @Xargaga and Kzl55: First, immediately cease the personal attacks, both of you. This is specifically a dispute on what wording is supported by the sources, so you should specifically be discussing what wording is supported by the sources. Provide the sources, and provide specific quotes from the sources, and directly base the wording off of that. If you can't agree, quote the sources directly and attribute any quotes to their sources. Quit commenting on each other, and focus on the content. Because neither of you could behave or act civilly, the page is fully protected for two days, which should give you plenty of time to hammer out what the sources say, or start dispute resolution proceedings, if necessary, but I will gladly lift the page protection in favor of blocks if you keep attacking each other personally in any way. Swarm ♠ 19:31, 17 November 2017 (UTC)

On page 7 of the source the source that is at dispute states, "Regarding the Sool region in eastern North-West Somalia, which was almost exclusively occupied by Dhulbahante members (Fatima Jibrell said that the population of the Sool region was 99,9% Dulbahante), Matt Bryden said that Dhulbahante was not in armed conflict with any of the Isaq clans in the area". Another quote from another source states at p.10, "the Dhulbahante almost exclusively inhabit Sool region". Yet another source states at p.405 "Dhulbahante, a branch of the Harti clan, almost exclusively inhabits sool".There is no ambiguity in all 3 quotes from the cited sources. For this reason the wording "almost exclusively" should be included in the article. If this could not be agreed upon alternatively the word "exclusively" should be exchanged for "predominantly". However, the original source should be drop from all wikipedia articles such as the Erigavo article.

@Swarm: apologies, I only mentioned editor's history of edits and previous perma-blocks for context.

The use of "almost exclusive" in the source above was by a none-expert informant, Fatima Jibrell, who is an environmental activist, this is highlighted by her claim that 99,9% of the region being inhabited by Dhulbahante, a claim that is demonstrably inaccurate (most recently by voter registration numbers which attributed only half of voters in the Somaliland presidential election of that region to the Dhulbahante, no where close to the 99,9% figure [28]), and one that I believe editor Xargaga is not supporting. As for the other source editor Xargaga cited, it is specifically claiming that Dhulbahante reside in Sool exclusively (and not in other regions), it is not claiming that Dhulbahante exclusively make up the region's residents, please note the context, specifically that the previous sentence states where the Warsangali clan resides, the quote in full: Two other, smaller Harti subsets, the Warsangeli and Dhulbahante, live mainly within the colonial borders of Somaliland and the areas claimed by Puntland. The Warsangeli mainly reside in eastern Sanaag, whereas the Dhulbahante almost exclusively inhabit Sool region [29].

As outlined in previous comments above, the use of "exclusive" or "almost exclusive" in describing Dhulbahante as inhabitants of Sool is not appropriate because the region is inhabited by other clans as well. This is something editor Xargaga is not disputing. The same paragraph in the Wikipedia article lists other clans (Habar Jeclo and Habar Yonis, both Isaaq subclans) inhabiting 3 out of the four districts of Sool, with one district of that region being exclusively inhabited by them, to quote from EASO report: with Habar Jeclo subclan of Isaaq living in the Aynabo district whilst the Habar Yoonis subclan lives in the eastern part of Xudun district and the very western part of Las Anod district [30]. As such the use of the word "exclusive" or "almost exclusive" is problematic. The current wording used in the article (which appears to have been stable for quite some time before the recent edits) included the specification of of 'west Sool' (for Isaaq), and 'east Sool' (for Dhulbahante), this is more appropriate and illustrative of the geographic divide, as used in multiple sources e.g University of York/UNICEF: "[The Isaaq clan] situated in the central Somaliland districts, especially Maroodijeex, Sahil and Togdheer, but also in Eastern Awdal and Western Sool and Sanaag" [31], as well as academically e.g: "... claimed political and administrative jurisdiction over territory inhabited by Harti clans (Warsangeli and Dhulbahante). This was mainly the eastern Sool and Sanaag regions of Somaliland" [32]. This east/west description is much clearer and makes the distinction between different groups living within the region. I propose keeping the current wording: Eastern Sool's residents mainly hail from the Dhulbahante, a subdivision of the Harti confederation of Darod sub-clans, and are concentrated at Las Anod and perhaps add "predominantly" as suggested by Xargaga to become Eastern Sool is predominantly inhabited by members of the Dhulbahante subclan, a subdivision of the Harti confederation of Darod sub-clans, and are concentrated at Las Anod.--Kzl55 (talk) 00:05, 18 November 2017 (UTC)

The primary concern of this discussion is should the term "almost exclusively" be included into the article as it was stated in the source.However, it is not concerned with the experts who were consulted with when the report was being compiled. I believe that since this source is considered a reliable source by editor User:Kzl55 (as they have used it on numerous occasions), there is no reason why they should not accept it in its entirety and accept the term "almost exclusively" to be included. You can not simply pick and choose the parts of a source you agree with, wikipedia is about taking a neutral point of view Wikipedia:Neutral point of view. As for the other source that was cited which also used the term "almost exclusively", User:Kzl55 believes that the term was used in the context of Sool, Somalia being the only region inhabited by Dhulbahante. This, however, is not correct because on the same page of the document it is stated that "within the Dhulbahante clan, which inhabits most parts of Sool region as well as parts of eastern Sanaag and Togdheer regions in Somaliland".The very same term is also used a third time a by the academic Markus V. Hoehne in his research paper (cited), stating that the sool region is almost exclusively inhabited by the Dhulbahante clan.It is clear from source cited that indeed Sool is inhabited "almost exclusively" by Dhulbahante. Therefore, it should be included into the article, if User:Kzl55 does not agree they can apply for dispute resolution. Alternatively, they can agree to remove reference to the source from all wikipedia articles and the term predominantly will be used instead of "almost exclusively", like it is being for the Togdheer region.

We are going in circles. This whole discussion is pointless. Do you dispute that other clans (Isaaq) live in three (out of four) districts of this region, with one of these districts inhabited exclusively by them? If not then the wording "exclusive" or "almost exclusive" is not appropriate nor helpful for WP readers. As presented above plenty of reliable sources make the distinction east/west Sool in describing the region, particularly due to the political meaning of this divide with relation to Somaliland (the subject of the article!). As such the current wording is appropriate. Addition of "predominantly" is applicable in the context of east Sool, if any. --Kzl55 (talk) 13:45, 18 November 2017 (UTC)

I agree with User:Kzl55 in that it is more suitable to use the wording of East and West Sool, rather than exclusive or almost exclusive. There are many sources that indicate that Sool province is inhabited by more than one clan; and as well the use of east and west to describe Sool province has been seen in reputable media such as BBC as shown here and scholarly research as shown here. Koodbuur (talk) 14:47, 18 November 2017 (UTC)

@ User:Kzl55, I agree we are going around in circles, that why I would recommend apply for dispute resolution. Whether I dispute other clans living in Sool is not the point of discussion here. The use of the term is appropriate because three different reliable sources have been provided which all use it and you do not dispute their reliability. Additionally, you have not produced reliable, published sources which clarify why the term "almost exclusively" cannot be adopted. The only source you brought gives a description of the clans that settle in the region and it does not address the point of discussion here. "Almost exclusively" does not mean the entire region is inhabited by Dhulbahante but it explains that the vast majority of it is inhabited by them. If there are any other clans they significances is minimal.

@ User:Koodbuur The first source you cited, is not concerned the point of discussion here. The second source is a broken link. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Xargaga (talk • contribs) 16:06, 18 November 2017 (UTC)

My apologies, here is the second link [33]. In this source, Markus Höhne uses East and West Sool to distinguish the diversity of the province "The president left Laascaanood hastily and retreated to Caynabo, a district town in western Sool where Isaaq are predominant." The first source is in fact relevant to the discussion because it is a reputable media outlet (BBC) that too distinguishes Eastern Sool from the rest of the province. Sool is not a homogeneous province, and it is not neutral to argue that the entire province is Dhulbahante, when there are other communities residing there. Hence the importance of using East and West Sool in the demographics. Koodbuur (talk) 16:33, 18 November 2017 (UTC)

@ User:Koodbuur, the second source you provided has already been discussed here. On P.405 of the document it states that "Dhulbahante, a branch of the Harti clan, almost exclusively inhabits sool".And the fact that the other clans such as Fiqishini, Isaaq, Kaskiiqabe and Gabooye also inhabit the region is not at dispute. However, what is confirmed that "Almost exclusively" Sool is inhabited by Dhulbahante. On the first link you provided does not lead to the information you suggest here, it just states that "A pressing concern will be the troubled eastern Sool and Sanaag regions, where there are mixed views about joining a breakaway republic", which is totally a different matter.Xargaga (talk) 17:13, 18 November 2017 (UTC)

@Xargaga, so you accept other clans live in the region, in three out of four districts, yet you still want to use the label "almost exclusive"? This is neither reasonable nor helpful to WP readers. The use of "almost exclusive" in your first source is based on one informant (not an expert but an environmental activist) you are quoting stating the region is 99,9% inhabited by Dhulbahante, a claim that is decidedly inaccurate (I have raised this point numerous times above and attached the most recent voter registration numbers, closest thing we have to a census, showing even distribution of demographics). Your second source is discussing the fact that Dhulbahante reside in Sool 'almost exclusively' (i.e. mostly reside in that region and not other regions), the context is clear when you read the paragraph: Two other, smaller Harti subsets, the Warsangeli and Dhulbahante, live mainly within the colonial borders of Somaliland and the areas claimed by Puntland. The Warsangeli mainly reside in eastern Sanaag, whereas the Dhulbahante almost exclusively inhabit Sool region. A more neutral and precise east/west Sool description, as currently used in the article (which has been stable, at least in this section) is more appropriate. I have listed many reputable sources using this description (e.g. [34], [35] and [36]) and I see editor Kodbor also cited reputable international media (BBC) and other academic scholarship. Furthermore, it is important to make such distinction due to the political divide resultant from this demographic divide (see Khatumo, Somaliland/Somalia dispute..etc), and how it manifests itself in Somaliland, the subject of this article.--Kzl55 (talk) 17:48, 18 November 2017 (UTC)

@ Kzl55, Again whether I accept other clan residing in the Sool region is not of concern here, thats is a point for another discussion. What is being debated here is the term "almost exclusively". However, needs to clarified is do agree that the term is from a reliable source? If you agree that it is a reasonable and reliable source, then there is nothing to dispute about, the term should say in the article. Regarding the second source, i have already explained that...on the same page of the document it says that "within the Dhulbahante clan, which inhabits most parts of Sool region as well as parts of eastern Sanaag and Togdheer regions in Somaliland". So, clearly your understanding of the quote is not correct. User:Koodbuur raised only on source which has relevance to this discussion which has all ready been cited. And it concurs with my argument that sool is almost exclusively inhabited by Dhulbahnte. Your proposal of explaining that there is an east/west divided would not be appropriate or correct because Dhulbahante clans reside in all parts of the region. For the sake of compromising I would suggest adapting a neutral and accurate explanation, for example, Isaaq clans reside in parts of Caynabo and Hudun districts. However, the Sool region is predominantly inhabited by Dhulbahante clans. Additionally, this source (if you believe is not reliable) will be deleted from all Wikipedia articles including the Erigavo article. If can not agree to this, I think we might have reached an impasse and therefore request dispute resolution. Xargaga (talk) 19:18, 18 November 2017 (UTC)

@User:Xargaga if you acknowledge the presence of other clans in Sool province, then why do you insist on arguing that the region is exclusively Dhulbahante? I brought up the first source to show the widespread use of the terms East and West Sool in reputable media and scholarly work to distinguish between the various communities living in the province. As Kzl55 and myself have mentioned, it is not neutral to misconstrue a single source that could be interpreted that Dhulbahante almost entirely live in Sool province, when other sources have been brought that show the diverse nature of the region. Koodbuur (talk) 19:22, 18 November 2017 (UTC)