Gedo
Gedo is a region (gobolka) in south western Somalia. Its capital is Garbahaarreey. Gedo region (gobol in Somali) is bordered by Ethiopia, Kenya and the Somalian regions of Bakool, Bay and Jubbada Dhexe.
Gedo is the second largest region of Somalia (with Bari being the largest). In 1996, Gedo's population was estimated to be 154, 800. After the breakout of the civil war and loss of the centeral government, the population of the region was mostly concentrated in cities of Baardheere and Beled Xaawo for security reason. Beled Xaawo is second most populous town in the region. It lies on the western side of the region on the Kenyan border.
The economy of the region has always been a depressed one. At one time, the U.N. released a report indicating that business in this region was less than in any other region in Somalia especially when compared with the northen regions which are more peaceful than the southern regions of the country. The economy relies on old models, external food aid and lifestock. The region is characterized by extreme drought, conflict, and lack of clean drinking water.
There is simmering animosity between the majority Bantu/Rahanweyn and the smaller, but politically dominant, Marehan Darod clan. Although the Marehan and Bantu/Rahanweyn frequently inter-marry, there is a rivalry for the scant resources and food aid in this region.
