Matan Abdulle Clan

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.