The Mahaday Attack began on April 1 until April 6 1924,^[1] near Mahaday, Italian Somaliland. This episode, known as the Mahaddei Attack, stands as a significant chapter in the anti-colonial struggles of the Italian-Somali territories during this period.^[2]

Events

Approximately sixty Gaalje'el Aloofi and Yeber Omar gathered north of Mahaday, launching an audacious attack on Neghei, a location near the river housing an Italian-Somali agricultural society's lime factory. The assault included disarming guards, setting huts ablaze, and looting the premises. Similar actions unfolded in Harrarlugole, causing panic among the colonial forces, fearing the potential ripple effect on other tribes.

The Commissioner, responding to the escalating unrest, telegraphed the Badi Addo on April 2, presenting a choice between resistance akin to Gaalje'el or aligning with the colonial government. Badi Addo chose resistance, aligning themselves with Gaalje'el, while the Hawadle opted not to resist, anticipating Gaalje'el's wrath.

The Auadle, foreseeing potential backlash from Gaalje'el for siding with the colonial authorities, relocated their cattle towards Galgadudu region where the Sultanate of Obbia is.

On the night of April 3rd to 4th, a patrol of askari from the Jalalaqsi garrison, sent for reconnaissance to Sivai, faced an attack by armed Badi Addo. The situation intensified on the 5th when two hundred and fifty armed Badi Addos aimed to attack Jalalaqsi's redoubt defended by a mere 40 askari. Meanwhile, Auadle rushed to Gialalassi in response to perceived attacks, but their involvement was rejected by local notables.

The situation remained tense, with conflicting sentiments within Tribes. Notables and elders leaned toward supporting colonial authorities, while younger and more restless elements favored resistance. The unrest reached a climax on April 6 when a convoy heading from Mahaddei to Buluburti encountered gunfire from Badi Addo groups. A garrison commander intervened, resulting in casualties on both sides. Another patrol from the Buluburti garrison clashed with Gaalje'el rebels in Sivai Vi, marking the last episodes of a rebellion whose leader, Hassan Barsane, was in custody.

Another Event

As part of hit and run strategy to liberate Mahaday from Italy, On March 12, 1912, three natives of the Gaalje'el saw an isolated askari (Soilder) in the vicinity of Mahaddei, they began to discuss among themselves the possibility of attacking the askari, and decision was made. they approached him, wounding him with two stab wounds and robbing him of his rifle, and flee the area. ^[3]

References