# Saleebaan

The Habar Gidir Saleebaan (alternatively spelled Habar Gidir Saleeban) is a prominent sub-clan of the Habar Gidir clan, which is one of the four principal sub-clans of the Hawiye. The Hawiye clan-family is among the largest and most influential clans in Somalia, with deep historical roots in the central and southern regions of the country. The Saleebaan sub-clan, like its sister sub-clans within the Habar Gidir (Sa’ad, Saruur, and Ayr), has played a critical role in Somalia’s political, social, and economic landscape, particularly during times of conflict, reconciliation, and reconstruction.

### Overview

The Habar Gidir Saleebaan sub-clan, like all Somali clans, is deeply rooted in the nation’s oral tradition of genealogy, tracing its ancestry back to Irir Samaale, the common ancestor of the Hawiye. As a result, the Saleebaan sub-clan is part of a larger Somali kinship network that emphasizes shared lineage, alliances, and clan-based governance systems.
Within the Hawiye lineage, the Habar Gidir represents one of the four major lineages, and the Saleebaan sub-clan is one of the key branches of the Habar Gidir. This clan structure is instrumental in determining social, political, and economic relationships, not only within the clan itself but also in interactions with other Somali clans and sub-clans.
Genealogically, the Habar Gidir clan descends from Gidir, who was the son of Samaale. The Saleebaan sub-clan is named after its founding ancestor, Saleebaan, a revered figure whose descendants have formed a strong and cohesive lineage.

### Geographical Distribution

The Habar Gidir Saleebaan primarily inhabits the central regions of Somalia, particularly Galguduud, Mudug, and parts of Hiran. These areas are historically significant as they are key to the clan's pastoral and trading activities. The Saleebaan also have a strong presence in Somalia's southern regions, such as Lower Shabelle and Banadir, with concentrations in urban centers like Mogadishu (the capital city), Kismayo, and Baidoa.
Their presence is also felt in Galkayo, a strategic town in the Mudug region, which has been historically significant for the Saleebaan’s political and economic influence. Galkayo has been a center of conflict and negotiation, where the Saleebaan have played pivotal roles in shaping peace agreements and regional governance.
Additionally, like many Somali clans, the Saleebaan have a significant diaspora community, with members of the sub-clan living in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. These diaspora members maintain strong ties to Somalia through remittances, business ventures, and political involvement.

### Social and Political Influence

The Habar Gidir Saleebaan sub-clan holds considerable political influence within Somalia’s clan-based governance system, a system that continues to influence the country's political landscape even after the collapse of central governance in 1991. The Saleebaan, like other Somali sub-clans, have a hierarchical social structure where elders, often referred to as "guurti," wield significant power. These elders act as mediators and representatives in both local and national disputes, and they are instrumental in peace negotiations.
Historically, the Saleebaan sub-clan was involved in Somalia’s fight for independence and the subsequent formation of the Somali Republic. In the post-independence period, Saleebaan leaders held influential positions in Somali politics and the military. During the Somali Civil War, the Saleebaan became highly involved in the factionalism that plagued the country, with key leaders emerging as influential figures in militia groups.
Since the 1990s, the Saleebaan sub-clan has been a key player in peace-building initiatives. Through their leaders and elders, they have participated in reconciliation efforts, including the Arta Conference in Djibouti in 2000, which led to the creation of the Transitional National Government (TNG). Their involvement in political negotiations has continued in the years following, including participation in the Somali Federal Government (SFG) formed in 2012.

### Economic Contributions

Economically, the Saleebaan sub-clan is heavily involved in various sectors, with a historical focus on livestock rearing and trade, two pillars of the Somali economy. The central regions of Somalia, particularly Galguduud and Mudug, where the Saleebaan are prominent, are crucial hubs for livestock trade. The sub-clan's wealth and influence have traditionally been tied to the sale and export of camels, goats, and cattle, particularly to the Gulf States.
In recent years, Saleebaan entrepreneurs have diversified into other sectors such as real estate, telecommunications, and logistics. Many Saleebaan members are involved in the import-export trade, taking advantage of Somalia’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean to facilitate trade between the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Notably, the Saleebaan, like other Somali clans, have benefited from the booming telecommunications industry, with clan-based networks facilitating business operations and investments.
The Somali diaspora, particularly those from the Saleebaan sub-clan, play an essential role in remittances, which form a significant part of Somalia's economy. Many Saleebaan members in the diaspora have started businesses in their host countries, particularly in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, while also investing in Somalia’s growing sectors, including banking, real estate, and hospitality.

### Cultural Significance and Clan Structure

The Saleebaan sub-clan, like other Somali clans, places great importance on oral tradition and poetry. Poets and oral historians, known as "gabayas", have traditionally preserved the sub-clan's history, documenting its struggles, victories, and key figures through verses passed down through generations. This oral tradition continues to play a crucial role in maintaining the cultural identity of the Saleebaan and ensuring the transmission of values such as hospitality, bravery, and wisdom.
Clan elders hold considerable sway within the Saleebaan, making decisions on behalf of the sub-clan and resolving disputes through traditional systems of justice, known as xeer. The xeer system is a customary law based on consensus, and it regulates not only criminal matters but also issues of marriage, resource allocation, and business dealings. The respect for this traditional authority remains high, even with the ongoing development of more formal political structures in Somalia.

### Clan tree

* Samaale