Somalis have long been known as a “nation of poets,” a term popularized by 19th-century English explorer Richard Francis Burton. Oral literature, orature, remains central to Somali culture, shaping history, identity, and political discourse. Poetry, theatrical songs, and proverbs carry deep social and political influence, capable of mobilizing communities toward war or peace. The respected words of skilled poets are highly valued, and their oratorical skill is seen as a measure of intellect and leadership. Anthropologist I.M. Lewis documented how poetry has historically fueled both revenge and reconciliation, reflecting its dual role in Somali society. One striking example of poetic influence is the Guba chain of poems in the 1930s, rooted in the aftermath of the Daraawiish defeat by British forces and the Issaq clan’s rise. Ali Dhuh, a prominent poet, celebrated the Issaq victory, prompting Qaman Bulhan, a fellow Daarood poet, to accuse him of “pastoral hypocrisy” – inflaming clan rivalries while ignoring shared Islamic values. Qaman’s response urged peace, condemning hypocrisy and violence against fellow Muslims. His poem, rich in Somali proverbs, became a timeless lesson in the dangers of inflammatory rhetoric, illustrating how poetry remains a potent force in Somali cultural and political life.
For centuries, Somali governance operated under an unwritten system of laws overseen by respected clan elders holding titles such as boqor, garaad, ugaas, and sultan. Known as a “pastoral democracy,” this system relied on trust, loyalty, and consensus through councils of elders, or guurti. Leaders were expected to consult before making decisions, but history records moments when power was abused. One remarkable case occurred in the 18th century, when Ugaas Hashi Ugaas Farah of the Ogaden clan, backed by the Ethiopian emperor’s resources, abandoned tradition and began ruling unilaterally. Alarmed by his apparent quest for absolute authority, his constituency convened to act. The elders devised an extraordinary impeachment process, appointing seven poets relatives of the Ugaas to craft persuasive verses. The most impactful was Sahid Qaman’s “Equality,” a poetic appeal for justice and shared power. Guided by these words, the elders removed Ugaas Hashi from power. This event stands as a powerful example of Somali society’s ability to uphold accountability using cultural tools. It illustrates how poetry, governance, and communal decision-making intertwined, preserving democratic values long before modern legal systems emerged.