Morgan Proposes Genocide Against Isaaq People
January 23rd, 1987
January 23rd, 1987

How Long Ago?
38 years, 1 month, 19 days ago
Location
Somalia
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Mohammed Said Hersi Morgan
- Siad Barre
Links & References
Tags
Morgan Proposes Genocide Against Isaaq People
Mohammed Said Hersi Morgan sent a letter to Somali President Siad Barre, which outlined a proposal for the extermination of the Isaaq people. This letter was part of Morgan's role as a key military figure in Barre's regime, as tensions escalated between various clans in Somalia. The letter's content aimed to officially sanction violence against the Isaaq, reflecting the brutal climate of civil conflict in Somalia during this period. Morgan's actions contributed to the broader pattern of violence that would shape the nation’s political landscape.
Morgan was a key figure in Barre's regime.
The letter called for violence against the Isaaq clan.
This proposal contributed to Somalia’s civil conflict.
Deepened tensions between clans in Somalia.
What Happened?
Mohammed Said Hersi Morgan, a prominent figure in the Somali military and a loyal supporter of President Siad Barre, crafted a letter that would become infamous for its chilling intent. In this communication, Morgan explicitly called for the elimination of the Isaaq people, a clan that had increasingly come into conflict with the Barre regime. The letter symbolized the deepening divisions within Somali society, marked by clan-based rivalries and the state-sanctioned violence that ensued. Morgan’s proposal was not merely a personal grievance but echoed the broader strategy of the Barre government to suppress dissent and maintain control through intimidation and brutality.
The socio-political environment in Somalia during this time was charged with hostility as the country's governance crumbled under the weight of corruption and authoritarianism. President Siad Barre's government faced growing resistance from various clan-based movements. In response, elements within the regime, especially figures like Morgan, perceived violent repression as necessary to combat what they viewed as threats to their power. As such, the letter served to legitimize brutal measures against the Isaaq, illustrating the lengths to which state officials would go to maintain authority. This period would eventually pave the way for widespread violence and the onset of civil war.
Morgan's rhetoric was indicative of the increasingly radicalized approach toward domestic adversaries in Barre's Somalia. The subsequent government actions that resulted from such incitements contributed significantly to the humanitarian disaster that unfolded in the 1990s. Overall, the letter represented a turning point in the Somali conflict, where political machinations turned deadly, placing clan loyalty as a central issue in national politics. It established a precedent for the formalization of ethnic violence that would lead to further conflict in subsequent years and deeply impact Somali society.
Why Does it Matter?
The proposal set forth by Mohammed Said Hersi Morgan is a compelling example of how state power can be manipulated to instigate ethnic violence. This event is significant in understanding the dynamics of civil war in Somalia, as it reveals the motivations behind the systematic targeting of specific clans. The implications of this rhetoric and the actions it spurred resonate through Somali history, leading to long-term conflict and a fragmented national identity.
Discover More Historic Events from January 23rd
Fatal Northwestern Air Flight 738 Incident
Northwestern Air Flight 738 tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Fort Smith Airport in the Northwest Territories of Canada, resulting in the deaths of six people. The flight, which was on a scheduled route, encountered difficulties almost immediately after departing for its destination. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but all on board were unfortunately pronounced deceased. The investigation that followed aimed to determine the cause of the crash and improve aviation safety procedures.
Continue ReadingBurkinabè soldiers depose President Kaboré
Mutinous soldiers in Burkina Faso, led by Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, staged a coup and detained President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré amid a backdrop of growing anti-government protests. The unrest stemmed from public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of escalating violence from jihadist groups in the country. Following heavy gunfire at military camps, soldiers announced their takeover, signaling a significant shift in the nation's leadership and governance.
Continue ReadingTariffs on Solar Panels and Washing Machines Initiated
President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on imports of Chinese solar panels and washing machines, marking a key moment in the escalating trade war between the United States and China. The tariffs were fueled by concerns over unfair trade practices and the U.S. trade deficit. This decision aimed to protect American manufacturers and workers from foreign competition that was perceived as benefiting from subsidies and undervalued currencies. The measure received immediate backlash from China, which threatened to retaliate against U.S. goods.
Continue ReadingDeadly Double Car Bombing in Benghazi
In Benghazi, Libya, a double car bombing killed 33, with many more wounded, including both military personnel and civilians. This attack highlighted the ongoing instability and violence in the region, attributed to various militant groups active in Libya since the fall of Gaddafi. Local officials reported the grim aftermath, emphasizing the pervasive threat of terrorism in urban areas.
Continue ReadingMajor 7.9 Mw Earthquake Strikes Gulf of Alaska
A powerful 7.9 Mw earthquake struck in the Gulf of Alaska, registering as one of the largest earthquakes recorded in the United States. The seismic event occurred on January 23, 2018, and while it was significant in its magnitude, there were no reports of significant damage or fatalities. The earthquake's depth and location in the ocean contributed to the absence of destructive impact on coastal communities.
Continue ReadingFinal Signal from Pioneer 10 Detected
Pioneer 10, the first spacecraft to travel through the asteroid belt and visit Jupiter, emitted its final weak signal to Earth. Although the transmission was detected, the signal was too weak for any data extraction. The Pioneer 10 mission, launched in 1972, marked significant advancements in space exploration, with its trajectory taking it into interstellar space.
Continue Reading