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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:British Perspectives on Aulihan Somali Unrest in the East Africa Protectorate, 1915-1918
Author:Simpson (Jr), George L.ISNI
Year:1999
Periodical:Northeast African Studies
Volume:6
Issue:1-2
Pages:7-43
Language:English
Geographic terms:Kenya
Great Britain
Subjects:Somali
rebellions
colonialism
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Ethnic and Race Relations
History and Exploration
External link:http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/northeast_african_studies/v006/6.1simpson.pdf
Abstract:This article examines an Aulihan Somali uprising that occurred in the northeastern frontier of Great Britain's East Africa Protectorate, or EAP, during World War I. The disorder began with a major livestock raid in December 1915 by Aulihan on some Samburu who had ventured with their herds into the region of the Lorian Swamp. Less than two months later, the sack of the British frontier post at Serenli on the Juba River followed. An almost complete collapse of colonial authority followed the rebellion in the northeast frontier and the fundamental weakness of the British rule over Somalis was unmasked. It would take a full two years for the British to reestablish control over the Aulihan. This study analyses the causes of Aulihan unrest, the 'punitive' expedition that finally led to its suppression, and events immediately thereafter. It argues that the root of the problem stemmed from the unwillingness of higher authorities to bear the cost and accept the responsibilities of frontier administration. The colonialists imagined themselves impartial arbitrators who were bringing a more enlightened system of governance to a people so caught up in narrow and parochial disputes that they could not recognize the blessings that were bestowed on them. However, frontier representatives were without the means to enforce their decisions and they lacked legitimacy in Somali eyes. Notes, ref.
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