Three Main Powers
The traditional political system of the Ciise tribe revolves around three main powers, namely:
➢ The power of the Ugaas
➢ The power of the Gande
➢ The power of the Goudi
I. The Power of the Ugaas
The "Ugaas" is the title chosen by the Ciise to designate the one who represents their sovereignty, leadership, and prestige. He is considered the foremost figure of the Ciise community, as well as the symbol of sovereignty, law, and traditional customs.
He exercises his executive prerogatives through legitimate committees and traditional bodies, according to a democratic system in which all clans participate through their representatives during decision-making. He oversees the meetings of these bodies.
Custom dictates that the Ugaas be chosen from within one of the Issa clans, specifically the Wardiiq clan, and more precisely the Wakhtishiile branch. The Ugaas is elected from among seven candidates by a college composed of 144 elders representing all 12 Ciise clans.
Custom also dictates that, upon the election of a new Ugaas, he is surrounded by a group of elderly sages, experts in customary law, representing all twelve Ciise clans. This group of traditional jurists is responsible for teaching the new Ugaas the various laws of governance, customs, and justice specific to the Ciise tribe, as well as the rules of coexistence with neighbours.
The training and preparation period for the new Ugaas continues until he reaches the age of forty.
It should be noted that the transmission of an Ugaas's power among the Ciise is not hereditary. On the contrary, there is a selection followed by an election, with the community playing its role through its representatives in choosing the Ugaas, according to specific criteria. He can also be deposed if he fails to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to him or if he commits an act incompatible with his position.
This represents a form of the earliest African democracies, which differentiates the Ciise community from other neighbouring peoples. This is why various explorers have described the Ciise people as "republican."
He is chosen by consensus, according to agreed-upon conditions, which include, among others:
● Being a Ciise, born to a Ciise father and mother, from the Wardiq clan, and more specifically the Wakhtishiile sub-clan of the Makaahil Xassan branch.
● Being between 14 and 18 years of age.
● Being born of the mother's first marriage.
● Coming from a family recognised for its piety and good reputation, free from any moral reproach.
● Being in good physical health, having all senses intact, and possessing a commanding presence and an impeccable appearance.
● Demonstrating high virtues, calmness, and good conduct.
● Being born on a Thursday or a Monday.
● Being chosen during the days of the full moon.
Since the enthronement of the first Ugaas, Ibrahim Makahil, nineteen Ugaas have succeeded one another as leaders of the Ciise. The most recent is Ugaas Mustafa Mohamed Ibrahim, elected on September 3, 2009, at the age of 17, and traditionally enthroned in the city of Seylac.
Dr Adam Osman Darar
The traditional political system of the Ciise tribe revolves around three main powers, namely:
➢ The power of the Ugaas
➢ The power of the Gande
➢ The power of the Goudi
I. The Power of the Ugaas
The "Ugaas" is the title chosen by the Ciise to designate the one who represents their sovereignty, leadership, and prestige. He is considered the foremost figure of the Ciise community, as well as the symbol of sovereignty, law, and traditional customs.
He exercises his executive prerogatives through legitimate committees and traditional bodies, according to a democratic system in which all clans participate through their representatives during decision-making. He oversees the meetings of these bodies.
Custom dictates that the Ugaas be chosen from within one of the Issa clans, specifically the Wardiiq clan, and more precisely the Wakhtishiile branch. The Ugaas is elected from among seven candidates by a college composed of 144 elders representing all 12 Ciise clans.
Custom also dictates that, upon the election of a new Ugaas, he is surrounded by a group of elderly sages, experts in customary law, representing all twelve Ciise clans. This group of traditional jurists is responsible for teaching the new Ugaas the various laws of governance, customs, and justice specific to the Ciise tribe, as well as the rules of coexistence with neighbours.
The training and preparation period for the new Ugaas continues until he reaches the age of forty.
It should be noted that the transmission of an Ugaas's power among the Ciise is not hereditary. On the contrary, there is a selection followed by an election, with the community playing its role through its representatives in choosing the Ugaas, according to specific criteria. He can also be deposed if he fails to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to him or if he commits an act incompatible with his position.
This represents a form of the earliest African democracies, which differentiates the Ciise community from other neighbouring peoples. This is why various explorers have described the Ciise people as "republican."
He is chosen by consensus, according to agreed-upon conditions, which include, among others:
● Being a Ciise, born to a Ciise father and mother, from the Wardiq clan, and more specifically the Wakhtishiile sub-clan of the Makaahil Xassan branch.
● Being between 14 and 18 years of age.
● Being born of the mother's first marriage.
● Coming from a family recognised for its piety and good reputation, free from any moral reproach.
● Being in good physical health, having all senses intact, and possessing a commanding presence and an impeccable appearance.
● Demonstrating high virtues, calmness, and good conduct.
● Being born on a Thursday or a Monday.
● Being chosen during the days of the full moon.
Since the enthronement of the first Ugaas, Ibrahim Makahil, nineteen Ugaas have succeeded one another as leaders of the Ciise. The most recent is Ugaas Mustafa Mohamed Ibrahim, elected on September 3, 2009, at the age of 17, and traditionally enthroned in the city of Seylac.
Dr Adam Osman Darar
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