Celi Omar

Celi Omar
Celi Cumar
Languages
	Somali
Religion
	Islam
Related ethnic groups
	Abgaal, Mudullood, Hiraab, Hawiye

Celi Omar (also spelled Celi Cumar or Eli Omar) is a Somali sub-clan that forms part of the larger Abgaal branch of the Hawiye clan-family. The Celi Omar have a long and distinguished history, having played key roles in Somalia’s anti-colonial struggle, the spread and preservation of Islam, and the political and social development of the country. They are primarily concentrated in the Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, and Banaadir regions, and have produced numerous influential leaders, scholars, and professionals.

Genealogy

According to traditional clan lineage, Celi Omar descends from: Hawiye → Hiraab → Mudullood → Abgaal → Wacbuudhan → Kalmaax → Celi Omar

Omar Kalmaax Wacbuudhan is traditionally said to have had six sons, from whom the sub-lineages of Celi Omar originate:

Hasan Gaab Celi
Osoble Celi
Ibraahim Celi
Geesaweyn Celi
Shige Celi
Cali Celi

Geographical Distribution

Members of the Celi Omar clan mainly inhabit the following regions of southern Somalia:

Shabeellaha Dhexe (Middle Shabelle)
Banaadir (Mogadishu and surrounding districts)
Shabeellaha Hoose (Lower Shabelle)

The clan also has a notable presence in the Somali diaspora across East Africa, Europe, and North America.

History

During Somalia’s civilian government (1960–1969), several prominent figures from the Celi Cumar clan held key governmental and religious positions.

Dr. Ismaciil Jimcaale (AUN) served as a minister before being succeeded by Cali Maxamed Hiraabe (Cali Hagarey), also from the Celi Cumar lineage. In 1960, Sheikh Muxudiin Celi (AUN), a respected religious scholar and leader of the Ahlu-Sunnah group, served as Minister of Information and was widely consulted on religious and political matters.

The Celi Cumar clan has long had strong influence in the districts of Cadale and Warsheikh in the Middle Shabelle region. Warsheikh, in particular, has been a center of Islamic scholarship, producing numerous well-known religious figures, including Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former President of Somalia.

Other notable historical figures include:

Muxudiin Shaatax (AUN) – Former Governor of Banaadir Region; also served as governor in other regions such as Upper Jubba.
General Basaale (AUN) – Commander of the Somali Air Force during the 1977 Ogaden War.
Dr. Garre (AUN) – A lawyer and advocate for labor and human rights.

The Celi Cumar community is also known for its academic and professional achievements. It is often said that among the five leading medical doctors from the Abgaal clan in Somalia, four hail from the Celi Cumar sub-clan.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

The Celi Cumar sub-clan has produced numerous leaders, scholars, and public figures who have shaped Somali politics, religion, and culture. Among them is Nuur Hassan Hussein (Nuur Cadde) (AUN), the former Prime Minister of Somalia, widely recognized for his leadership during a crucial period in the nation’s history.

During a visit to Cadale, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud famously remarked: "Dowladdaa Celi u baahan, ee Celi waa dowlad" — meaning *“It is the government that needs Celi, for Celi itself is a government.”* This statement reflects the clan’s reputation for strong governance, unity, and community organization.

In Somali oral tradition, several expressions are associated with the Celi Cumar, including: "Haddeey caddaato loo ciyoow, Celi Cumar ma caymatiin" — emphasizing the clan’s resilience and steadfastness. Another well-known phrase, "Cali Cumar Caadle guurow", highlights their long-standing presence and heritage in the Cadale district.

The clan also produced the renowned religious scholar Sheikh Cabdiraxmaan bin Sheikh Cumar Al-Celiyyi, Al-Qaadiriyyi, Al-Warshiikhi, a major figure in Somali Islamic scholarship and the Qadiriyyah Sufi order.

Notable People

Nuur Hassan Hussein (Nuur Cadde) – Former Prime Minister of Somalia (AUN)
Dr. Ismaciil Jimcaale – Former Somali minister (AUN)
Cali Maxamed Hiraabe (Cali Hagarey) – Former minister during Somalia’s civilian government (AUN)
Caaqil Haaji Mahamud Koogaar (AUN)
Xaaji Axmad Juuni (AUN)
Hiraabe Calasow
Sheikh Cabdiraxman Sheikh Cumar Celi
Sheikh Muxudiin Celi (AUN) – Former Minister of Information and religious leader
Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Muxudiin
General Hassan Mohamed Hussein "Muungaab" – Current Mayor of Banaadir Region (second term); former Chairman of the Somali Armed Forces Court

* Dr. Mina Xasan Shibis – Former Federal Parliament member and noted Somali academic and professional

Nabadoon Cumar Ibrahim
Nabadoon Cumar Ibrahim
Muxudiin Shaatax (AUN) – Former Governor of Banaadir Region
General Basaale (AUN) – Somali Air Force Commander during the 1977 war
Dr. Garre (AUN) – Lawyer and human rights advocate

(AUN = Allaah ha u naxariisto / May God have mercy on them)

References

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