Key statistics

1988
First Recorded Activity

First Attack
2025
Profile Last Updated

How to Cite

Crenshaw, M., & Robinson, K. (2025). Mapping Militants Project. Rice University. https://doi.org/10.25613/G0K4-WF70
Mapping Militants Project. “Matan Abdulle Clan.” Last modified July 31, 2025. https://mappingmilitants.org/node/3010/

Profile Contents

Narrative

Narrative of the Organization's History

Organization

Leadership, Name Changes, Size Estimates, Resources, Geographic Locations

Strategy

Ideology, Aims, Political Activities, Targets, and Tactics

Interactions

Foreign Designations and Listings, Community Relations, Relations with Other Groups, State Sponsors and External Influences

Maps

Mapping relationships with other militant groups over time in regional maps

Main Tabs Group

Overview
Formed: 
January 1, 1988

The Matan Abdulle clan is a sub-clan of the larger Abgaal clan. The Abgaal is part of the larger Hawiye clan. The group has fought with other sub clans in Somalia, as shown by the group’s gun battle with the Daud sub-clan in 1999. This fighting has been part of a greater struggle for regional power in the Middle Shabelle region in southern Somalia. Similar to other clans, Matan Abdulle aims to gain more political power and territory. The clan can trace its roots back all the way to the 12th century when the overarching Hawiye clan was formed.  The formation date recorded by MMP corresponds to the approximate year in which this actor began participating in violence as part of the civil war involving Somali President Siad Barre's government. Currently, the group is torn between supporting the Somali Federal Government and Al Shabaab along with the rest of the overarching Hawiye clan.  

Organization

Vertical Tabs

Strategy

Vertical Tabs

Interactions

Vertical Tabs