tunnis

Tunnis, also spelled Tunni, refers to the Tunni people, a Somali clan group traditionally considered part of the Digil–Mirifle confederation. They are indigenous to southern Somalia, with historic settlements along the Shabelle river basin and the coastal belt near the Benadir region, as well as communities in urban centers and among the Somali diaspora.

Language and culture are central to Tunni identity. The Tunni speak Somali, with a distinctive Tunni dialect that is often classified within the Digil cluster of Somali varieties. The community is predominantly Muslim, and social life is organized around clan lineage and customary law. Economic life has historically blended agriculture and pastoralism, with farming along river valleys and date palm cultivation, complemented by camel and livestock herding. In modern times many Tunni participate in broader economic and civic activities, including trade, education, and public service.

History and relations. The Tunni have links to medieval and early modern Somali states and played roles in regional trade networks along the Indian Ocean coast. They have historically interacted with neighboring groups and groups within the Digil–Mirifle confederation, and their territory has been influenced by broader Somali political currents, including colonial and post-colonial state formation, civil conflict, and state-building efforts. Land rights, marriage customs, and social obligations within and between sub-clans have shaped community life over generations.

Contemporary status. Today, Tunni communities are dispersed across southern Somalia and urban centers, with diaspora communities abroad. They contribute to regional culture, politics, and economy while maintaining distinct linguistic and cultural traditions within the broader Somali homeland.