Garad Jama Garad Ali is the supreme traditional clan chief of the Dhulbahante. He crowned in Las Anod City in front of a huge number of people including high-ranking politicians from Somali Transitional Government, Somaliland and Puntland. The event brought together, for the first time after the collapse of Somali Government in 1991, a large number of politically diverse politicians such as former Somali Prime MinisterAli Khalif Galaydh, the President and the Vice-President of Puntland. Though the tension was high, the coronation of one of the most senior and powerful traditional leaders of Somalia proceeded peacefully.
The Coronation
The coronation took place May 22, 2006, in Geedo-Qarsay Valley, near Las Anod, where Garad Jama's father, his uncle, and his grandfather were crowned. The Las-Anoders showed their well-known hospitality to the thousands of guests who attended "the once of a lifetime" ceremony. The audiences were entertained with well-trained horses that were decorated by damasks and embroidery, which manifested the traditional craftsmen and women's hard work based on the rich Somali cultural heritage. At 10 o'clock the milk was poured into the Garad. Milk is a symbol of peace and eternal prosperity; this act is true to the equilibrium of the virtues of the traditional culture.
Reconciliation and rebuilding Somalia
The last two decades, Somalia was in anarchy. Government services ceased especially judiciary, law, order and social services. In that lawless state, Somali people turn to their traditional leaders and traditional system for mending the peace and social harmony. Although, the traditional leaders were unprepared to shoulder all the problems created by the chaos, still practicing traditional ways decreased conflicts between clans especially parts of the country where traditional system practiced. Traditional leaders also succeeded creating local administration that extends social services to the community. he last two decades, Somalia was in anarchy. Government services ceased especially judiciary, law, order and social services. traditional leaders worked tirelessly restoring the dignity and state of their people, at last the wish of the elders came true when 135 traditional leaders met Mogadishu May 18, 2012. Garad Jama was one of 135 traditional leaders that attended the meeting and the elders elected him for the chairman of the elders arbitration committee.
Dhulbahante Garads
1. Garad Jama II 2. Garad AbdiQani 1985-2006 3. Garad Ali V 1966-1985 4. Garad Jama I 1923-1966 5. Garad Aar Dheel 1921-1923 6. Garad Mohamed IV 1901-1918 7. Garad Ali IV 1863-1899 8. Garad Mohamud IV warrior Garad 9. Garad Ali III 10. Garad Mohamed III 11. Garad Ali II 12, Garad Mohamud III 13. Garad Mohamed II 14. Garad Mohamud II 15. Garad Ali I 16. Garad Mohamud I 17. Garad Mohamed I 18. Garad Yasin 19. Garad Abdalla I 20. Garad Farah 21. Garad Shirshoore
