Hawiya

Hawiya, also spelled Hawiye or Hawiyah, is a major Somali clan family. In Somali inter-clan systems, Hawiya is one of the largest and most influential groups, primarily inhabiting central and southern Somalia. The core homeland includes the regions around Mogadishu, Galguduud, Hiiraan, and Lower Shabelle, with substantial populations in the capital and surrounding towns. The Hawiya also have a widespread diaspora, with communities in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Yemen, and various countries in Europe and North America, formed largely through displacement and migration during periods of conflict and economic opportunity.

Society and culture: The Hawiya are composed of multiple subclans and lineages; as with other Somali groups, clan membership is a central aspect of identity and social organization. The customary law known as Xeer governs many local matters, alongside formal codes in urban governance. The community is predominantly Muslim, practicing Sunni Islam, and Somali language is the common vehicle of culture. Traditional poetry, music, and storytelling play important roles in social life.

History and politics: Since the late 19th and 20th centuries, Hawiya have been active in Somali politics and territorial arrangements. In Mogadishu and the surrounding regions they have been influential in governance, militias, and civil administration, particularly during periods of state collapse and federal reorganization. The Hawiya have participated in national peace processes and in regional administrations in Hirshabelle and other central areas.

See also: Somali clans; Hawiye subclans; Somali civil conflict.