UPDATED THREAD 🧵: The Isaaq Genocide, a politically motivated myth....
Lt Khalifa@LtKhalifa
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May 20, 2026
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UPDATED THREAD 🧵: The Isaaq Genocide, a politically motivated myth.
In 1945 during WW2 the United States dropped 2 nuclear weapons in Japan, the death toll is estimated to be 90k to 146k.
Isaaqs claim that in 2 years, Siad Barre genocided up to 200k Isaaqs during the SNM counterinsurgency.
Includes new sources
x.com/LtKhalifa/stat…
In 1945 during WW2 the United States dropped 2 nuclear weapons in Japan, the death toll is estimated to be 90k to 146k.
Isaaqs claim that in 2 years, Siad Barre genocided up to 200k Isaaqs during the SNM counterinsurgency.
Includes new sources
x.com/LtKhalifa/stat…
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The SNM did not emerge as a political opposition that wanted reform.
From its very inception, it took on a character of armed violence against the Somali state.
Nearly two decades before the northern war intensified. Mohamed Farah Dalmar (“Mohamed Ali”), later a senior SNM commander, attempted an armed attack on the SNA.
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From its very inception, it took on a character of armed violence against the Somali state.
Nearly two decades before the northern war intensified. Mohamed Farah Dalmar (“Mohamed Ali”), later a senior SNM commander, attempted an armed attack on the SNA.
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Before all the chaos, in 1980 the SNM announced a declaration of war on Siad Barre & the Somali nation.
A movement that formally declares war on the Somali Republic, attacks its military, and establishes armed bases abroad cannot be portrayed as the passive victim.
What unfolded in 1988–1990 was a civil war between a Marxist-backed insurgent group and a government defending its sovereignty.
A movement that formally declares war on the Somali Republic, attacks its military, and establishes armed bases abroad cannot be portrayed as the passive victim.
What unfolded in 1988–1990 was a civil war between a Marxist-backed insurgent group and a government defending its sovereignty.
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Just as the SNM forms Somaliland’s foundation, so does secession & violence. In 1961, Hassan Kayd, with Ethiopian backing, staged a failed coup and declared Somaliland’s secession.
He tried to force support at gunpoint.
He tried to force support at gunpoint.
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What inspired Hassan Keyd to launch a coup?
Keyd who had just graduated from Sandhurst, returned to find himself junior in rank to his southern counterparts.
Keyd complained and claimed rank readjustments but was ignored. Ethiopian Brigadier General Aman Andom, commander of Ethiopia’s 3rd Division in Harar, expressed sympathy for Keyd's complaints.
General Aman is considered no friend of the Somali nation.
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Keyd who had just graduated from Sandhurst, returned to find himself junior in rank to his southern counterparts.
Keyd complained and claimed rank readjustments but was ignored. Ethiopian Brigadier General Aman Andom, commander of Ethiopia’s 3rd Division in Harar, expressed sympathy for Keyd's complaints.
General Aman is considered no friend of the Somali nation.
x.com/LtKhalifa/stat…
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Hassan Keyd the first instigator of violence and instability in post-colonial Somalia would become part and parcel of the SNM insurgency against the Somali government.
The men who first attempted to fracture Somali unity in 1961 reappeared at the heart of SNM’s armed rebellion.
The men who first attempted to fracture Somali unity in 1961 reappeared at the heart of SNM’s armed rebellion.
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Every accusation is a confession
Before the government ever bombed the north, the SNM executed 71 non-Isaaq civilians and buried them in mass graves.
Robert Gersony reports another 51 killed in the same way. The first massacres came from the SNM, yet this is erased to push a one sided “genocide” tale.
Before the government ever bombed the north, the SNM executed 71 non-Isaaq civilians and buried them in mass graves.
Robert Gersony reports another 51 killed in the same way. The first massacres came from the SNM, yet this is erased to push a one sided “genocide” tale.
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Before any government bombardments in 1988, the SNM attacked Agabar refugee camp a camp made up mostly of women and children. The massacre was planned & deliberate: 60% were children, half under school age, the rest between 7–15.
To excuse this, Isaaq narratives claim the refugees were armed, yet reports confirm they were defenceless civilians.
To excuse this, Isaaq narratives claim the refugees were armed, yet reports confirm they were defenceless civilians.
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The letter of death debunked
Mohamud Sheikh Ahmed resigned as president of the supreme court in protest against Ali Ibrahim Heyje’s execution and sought residence abroad living in exile.
Ali Ibrahim used to smuggle Somali MPs into Israel to secure election funds, served as a Somali-Hebrew interpreter, and maintained ties with foreign intelligence.
Mohamud Sheikh Ahmed resigned as president of the supreme court in protest against Ali Ibrahim Heyje’s execution and sought residence abroad living in exile.
Ali Ibrahim used to smuggle Somali MPs into Israel to secure election funds, served as a Somali-Hebrew interpreter, and maintained ties with foreign intelligence.
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Jama Mohamed Ghalib was a government mole working for the SNM.
Jama Mohamed Ghalib collaborated with Ahmed Sheikh Mohamud to forge the letter of death.
They sent it to Richard Greenfield, (a notorious liar) who passed it on to a news magazine in an attempt to discredit the Somali government.
Jama Mohamed Ghalib collaborated with Ahmed Sheikh Mohamud to forge the letter of death.
They sent it to Richard Greenfield, (a notorious liar) who passed it on to a news magazine in an attempt to discredit the Somali government.
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A Somali official revealed that the “Letter of Death” was a forgery its government letterhead was stolen and Gen. Morgan’s signature falsified.
He also added Mohamoud Sheikh Ahmed who was in exile since the 1970s, was neither certified orthographer nor familiar with Morgan’s signature.
He also added Mohamoud Sheikh Ahmed who was in exile since the 1970s, was neither certified orthographer nor familiar with Morgan’s signature.
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Richard Greenfield, a fluent Amharic speaker and contributing editor to the magazine, was the first to publicise the so-called “Letter of Death.” His record, however, is one of distortion.
A former employee of the Somali government, he was sacked on suspicion of sympathising with the SNM.
Greenfield later made further false claims that the Somali government had acquired chemical weapons, an allegation the Pentagon itself formally refuted.
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A former employee of the Somali government, he was sacked on suspicion of sympathising with the SNM.
Greenfield later made further false claims that the Somali government had acquired chemical weapons, an allegation the Pentagon itself formally refuted.
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Historian Lidwien Kapteijns confirms the “Letter of Death” is inauthentic, noting it contradicts General Morgan’s known lenient policy.
This is further supported by primary sources, including the CIA, which reports that Morgan often rehabilitated SNM defectors and had a lenient policy.
The CIA write the following:
“Generally disarm and "reeducate" defectors, according to Embassy reporting. Radio Hargeisa employs these defectors to urge other insurgents to surrender.”
This is further supported by primary sources, including the CIA, which reports that Morgan often rehabilitated SNM defectors and had a lenient policy.
The CIA write the following:
“Generally disarm and "reeducate" defectors, according to Embassy reporting. Radio Hargeisa employs these defectors to urge other insurgents to surrender.”
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Even northern residents attest to Morgan’s comparatively lenient policy.
A local from Burco described him as a hero, crediting him with major developments in Hargeisa such as expanding access to water and electricity, after years of prolonged states of emergency.
A local from Burco described him as a hero, crediting him with major developments in Hargeisa such as expanding access to water and electricity, after years of prolonged states of emergency.
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How the SNM used land mines
In 1988, during the Somali–Ethiopian peace agreement, the Somali government confirmed the removal of all landmines and explosives.
In contrast, the SNM continued to lay mines during and after the conflict, leaving a deadly legacy that still endangers civilians.
In 1988, during the Somali–Ethiopian peace agreement, the Somali government confirmed the removal of all landmines and explosives.
In contrast, the SNM continued to lay mines during and after the conflict, leaving a deadly legacy that still endangers civilians.
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There are well documented instances of the SNM employing landmines not only against government forces but also against civilians & even their own members. In Borama, SNM planted mines destroyed vehicles and caused casualties.
In another case, the SNM commander Gaboobe laid a mine on a route intended for Silanyo.
In 1992, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal resorted to landmine use in Hargeisa against rival opposition groups.
In another case, the SNM commander Gaboobe laid a mine on a route intended for Silanyo.
In 1992, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal resorted to landmine use in Hargeisa against rival opposition groups.
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In the mid 1980s, Isaaq elders held Silaanyo personally responsible for the destruction of the north.
In 1990 SNM insurgents began shelling civilians in Arabsiyo, 2 years earlier ( 1988) the government completed rehabilitation works such as water pipes and the construction of hospitals.
In 1990 SNM insurgents began shelling civilians in Arabsiyo, 2 years earlier ( 1988) the government completed rehabilitation works such as water pipes and the construction of hospitals.
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In 1984 the SNM commited bombing attacks inside Hargesia after infiltrating the city. Again in 1988 the SNM launched suicide bombs.
Arguably the earliest instance of the use of suicide bombs in Somalia. During the 90s the SNM began shelling towns and cities during the factional infighting within the SNM.
x.com/ltkhalifa/stat…
Arguably the earliest instance of the use of suicide bombs in Somalia. During the 90s the SNM began shelling towns and cities during the factional infighting within the SNM.
x.com/ltkhalifa/stat…
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A CIA intelligence assessment noted that by 1984, civilian Isaaq communities were actively harbouring SNM fighters and supplying them with intelligence.
US Embassy reports described these civilian areas as having effectively become insurgent strongholds.
The SNM recruited Isaaq refugees and used refugee camps as sanctuaries.
x.com/ltkhalifa/stat…
US Embassy reports described these civilian areas as having effectively become insurgent strongholds.
The SNM recruited Isaaq refugees and used refugee camps as sanctuaries.
x.com/ltkhalifa/stat…
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If Siad Barre truly harboured genocidal intent towards the Isaaq, his actions don’t match the claim.
After Mohamed Ali Dalmar‘s rebellion in 1970, Barre nonetheless (1975) ordered the airlift of over 200,000 drought-stricken Somali nomads, mostly from Northern Somalia.
Mohamed Ali’s 1970 revolt would have coloured his view on Isaaqs but It didn’t, because he used his government budget surplus on them.
x.com/LtKhalifa/stat…
After Mohamed Ali Dalmar‘s rebellion in 1970, Barre nonetheless (1975) ordered the airlift of over 200,000 drought-stricken Somali nomads, mostly from Northern Somalia.
Mohamed Ali’s 1970 revolt would have coloured his view on Isaaqs but It didn’t, because he used his government budget surplus on them.
x.com/LtKhalifa/stat…
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U.S. court testimony shows Siad Barre was against bombing Hargeisa & Burco:
“Don’t be quick to bombard the town… let us not make that decision very quickly.”
This matters for intent, if Barre’s goal was genocide, he wouldn’t have hesitated. His concern shows the bombings were driven by battlefield logic, not a plan to annihilate civilians.
“Don’t be quick to bombard the town… let us not make that decision very quickly.”
This matters for intent, if Barre’s goal was genocide, he wouldn’t have hesitated. His concern shows the bombings were driven by battlefield logic, not a plan to annihilate civilians.
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More on intent, Siad Barre instructed his forces to show restraint toward northern civilians and urged the United States to lead post-war reconciliation and rehabilitation efforts after decisively defeating the SNM.
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After Barre requested northern rehabilitation, the U.S. sent delegates to assess the damage, water supply systems were installed including 10 new water tanks and a hospital was constructed in Burco.
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What is often overlooked is that Siad Barre permitted and even invited international human rights investigators, including Amnesty International, the U.S. Department of State, and the GAO, to visit Somalia.
Siad Barre’s rule is often mischaracterised. Contemporary reports however show that while authoritarian, Somalia’s human rights record was better than other larger African nations.
Siad Barre’s rule is often mischaracterised. Contemporary reports however show that while authoritarian, Somalia’s human rights record was better than other larger African nations.
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The United States condemned the SNM and stated that it is unfair to blame the Somali government.
US officials observed that the SNM deliberately turned cities into battlegrounds and caused general instability in northern Somalia.
The following is written:
“I do not believe that we make a positive contribution to this situation by blaming this tragic conflict on the Government of Somalia.”
“The SNM rebels with Ethiopian support have chosen to turn two Somali cities into a battleground and are probably hoping that the government will respond as brutally as possible”.
“I hope the Somali Government will exercise restraint and will not play into the rebels' hands by alienating the civilian population.
I hope that the SNM will not prolong the fighting in order to gain the propaganda victory resulting in more civilian deaths and more refugees.”
US officials observed that the SNM deliberately turned cities into battlegrounds and caused general instability in northern Somalia.
The following is written:
“I do not believe that we make a positive contribution to this situation by blaming this tragic conflict on the Government of Somalia.”
“The SNM rebels with Ethiopian support have chosen to turn two Somali cities into a battleground and are probably hoping that the government will respond as brutally as possible”.
“I hope the Somali Government will exercise restraint and will not play into the rebels' hands by alienating the civilian population.
I hope that the SNM will not prolong the fighting in order to gain the propaganda victory resulting in more civilian deaths and more refugees.”
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Some might argue that the US officials only said this because of its military agreements with the Somali government, but the US had contacts and regular meetings with members of the SNM.
Members of the congress had a personal dislike for Siad Barre and by 1989 the US cut all military aid to Somalia.
Members of the congress had a personal dislike for Siad Barre and by 1989 the US cut all military aid to Somalia.
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The US official who spearheaded the personal witch hunt against Siad Barre, was a Jewish congressman, named Howard Wolpe.
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When Ethiopia invaded Somalia in 1982, Howard Wolpe suggested that the US shouldn’t get involved and let Ethiopia install their own govt in Somalia.
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Meanwhile Mengistu deliberately ignored famines, believing that it will weaken internal rebellion.
“Many Derg officials found it convenient to do nothing. Inaction appealed to Mengistu for he thought hungry people might be less eager to support expanding guerrilla movements.”
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“Many Derg officials found it convenient to do nothing. Inaction appealed to Mengistu for he thought hungry people might be less eager to support expanding guerrilla movements.”
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Ahmed Arwo, a former presidential adviser, wrote that Rakiya Omar’s father was a foundational figure within the SNM, describing him as a “pillar” of the movement.
Ahmed Silanyo is also quoted as stating that Rakiya’s father regularly hosted SNM leaders at his home in London.
Here is a link to the obituary by the former Somaliland presidential advisor
samotalis.blogspot.com/2009/06/tacsi-…
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Ahmed Silanyo is also quoted as stating that Rakiya’s father regularly hosted SNM leaders at his home in London.
Here is a link to the obituary by the former Somaliland presidential advisor
samotalis.blogspot.com/2009/06/tacsi-…
x.com/LtKhalifa/stat…
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Several Western analysts and diplomatic observers at the time assessed that it was unlikely that Siad Barre ordered the killings at Jazira Beach in 1989.
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In 2001, the UN commissioned Chris Mburu, a consultant at the time, to prepare a report. In the report Mburu cited Rakiya Omaar and mis-abbreviates the term SNA.
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Who is Chris Mburu?
Before examining his background, it helps to first establish who Chris Mburu is and what he stands for.
Mburu is a committed Francophile who believes Africa should embrace the French language. He has made this more than a belief actively promoting French across Kenya and transforming his own home village into Kenya’s only French-speaking community.
He was later recognised by the French government with a formal award.
Before examining his background, it helps to first establish who Chris Mburu is and what he stands for.
Mburu is a committed Francophile who believes Africa should embrace the French language. He has made this more than a belief actively promoting French across Kenya and transforming his own home village into Kenya’s only French-speaking community.
He was later recognised by the French government with a formal award.
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Chris Mburu’s early education was sponsored and funded by a Jewish teacher named Hilde Back from Sweden.
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It’s popularly contended that Siad Barre attempted to use refugees to replace Isaaqs. However, CIA intelligence reports that Siad Barre actively resisted international pressure to resettle refugees within major urban areas.
The CIA further state that Barre isolated refugee camps from urban populations “to avoid aggravating the tribal and political tensions that bedevil his regime.”
x.com/ltkhalifa/stat…
The CIA further state that Barre isolated refugee camps from urban populations “to avoid aggravating the tribal and political tensions that bedevil his regime.”
x.com/ltkhalifa/stat…
