3.9.4. Persons belonging to clans which can be considered minority groups in local contexts

 COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: October 2025

This sub-profile refers to persons who belong to groups that are seen as the majority under one context and as a minority under another context. These groups include the a) Rahanweyn clan family divided into the sub-clans Digil and Merifle, each being divided into various sub-clans as the Tunni, the Begedi and the Geledi (Rahanweyn/Digil) and Eyle (Rahanweyn/Merifle) and b) the Benadiri group in local context.

  Step 1: Do the reported acts amount to persecution?  

Some acts to which clans which can be considered minority groups in local contexts could be exposed are of such severe nature that they would amount to persecution. More specifically, sexual abuse and violence against women and girls belonging to minority groups have been reported.

The severity and/or repetitiveness of other acts that clans which can be considered minority groups in local contexts could be subjected to and whether they occur as an accumulation of various measures, should be considered. Although the Rahanweyn are counted among the majority groups, they are often subject to discrimination by more powerful groups when found displaced into other clan-based areas. Eyle face socio-political marginalisation, while parts of Tunni, Begedi and Geledi are described as having a weak position, partly due to ambiguous reception of their belonging or due to local circumstances. Tunni face discrimination based on clan politics.

In addition, they are disproportionately vulnerable to conflict-driven displacement. In the past, Benadiri were reportedly forced to pay bribes and subjected to extortion by members of majority clans. Nowadays, members of the Benadiri groups face socio-political exclusion.

  Step 2: What is the level of risk of persecution?  

The individual assessment of whether there is a reasonable degree of likelihood for persons belonging to clans which can be considered minority groups in local contexts, in the whole of Somalia, including South-Central Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland, to face persecution should take into account risk-impacting circumstances, such as:

• Home area in relation to the specific minority group to which they belong: Local circumstances cause these groups to be considered minorities in some areas, while in other areas they do not hold a minority position. Differences are also observed in the treatment of different minority groups and the severity of violations against them. In more recent years, direct security threats against the Benadiri have not been reported. Furthermore, intermarriage between Benadiri and other Somali clans is not restricted. In urban settings, especially in Mogadishu, Benadiri can get access to education. They also have gained some access to government institutions.

• Local clan dynamics: Although the Rahanweyn are counted among the majority groups, they are often subject to discrimination by more powerful groups when they have been displaced into other clan-based areas.

• Status as ‘noble’, ‘commoner’: Within Rahanweyn group boon (commoners) are subject to prejudice, social exclusion and some exploitation as cheap labour force by bilis (nobles) who claim a purer patrilineal descent.

• Gender: Women and girls belonging to minority groups are at a higher risk of sexual abuse and violence. Furthermore, group belonging in combination with gender-based discrimination influences access to education.  

  Step 3: Is there a ground for persecution?  

Where well-founded fear of persecution is substantiated, for an applicant under this profile, this is highly likely to be for reasons of race/nationality. Persecution of minority groups in local contexts may also be for reasons of membership of particular social group, based on an innate characteristic or common background which cannot be changed (the family they are born into) and distinct identity, as they may be perceived as different in the local context.