Galdogob (Somali: Galdogob) is a town that is administered by the semi-autonomous Puntland state of Somalia, and serves as the capital of the Galdogob District within the Mudug region. The city straddles the disputed 1950s-era Provisional Administrative Line, as depicted on virtually all worldwide maps, from north-central Somalia.[3][4]
Galdogob is located in the western part of the Mudug region bordering Ethiopia's portion of the Somali-majorityDollo Zone, and is a popular rest stop for Somali travelers heading to and from Dire Dawa, Jijiga, Kebri Dahar, Werder and Geladin. Hundreds of small cars and heavy trucks pass through the city every day.[5][6] It is one of the main centres for trade in Mudug.[7] In 1982, Galdogob fell into the hands of the Ethiopian backed group SSDF in the 1982 Ethiopian–Somali Border War.[8]
During the Somali Civil War and earlier Ogaden War, Galdogob and other areas in Mudug were contaminated with land mines and unexploded ordnance laid by both Ethiopian and Somali forces along the border zone. Several local NGOs such as The Environmental Review (SOMER) have conducted MRE in Galdogob. This has included gathering of mines which was later picked up and destroyed by police EOD Teams.[9][10][11]
In 2000, Ethiopian troops supported by armored personnel carriers, artillery, and tanks launched a major cross-border incursion into Somalia. The forces advanced into Mudug and completely surrounded Galdogob. According to local elders, the Ethiopians were hunting for members of the al-Itihaad al-Islamiya group, who were reportedly active in the Ogaden region.[12][13]
Galdogob-Galkayo road construction
Despite decades of conflict in the country, Galdogob has developed in relative peace and has become an important metropolitan border town with a thriving livestock industry.[14][15] Numerous camels, sheep, goats, and cattle are purchased here and exported through the port of Bosaso every year.[16] The city’s livestock trade is at its busiest during the Hajj period, when more than 100,000 head of livestock are shipped to the Gulf states via Bosaso.[17] The Garacad–Galkayo–Galdogob (G3) highway project has also recently been announced, connecting the new port of Garacad on the Indian Ocean with the inland hub of Galkayo, Galdogob, and areas beyond.[18][19]
Galdogob General Hospital
Galdogob has also recently seen the arrival of migrants from the more southerly areas of Somalia seeking work and a safer place to live.[20] The second largest hospital in the Mudug region, Galdogob General Hospital is located in this town, which serves both residents and surrounding areas.[21] In October 2014, the firm Tawakal Money Express (Tawakal) began construction of the four-storey Tawakal Plaza Galdogob.[22] The building features a Tawakal Global Bank customer and financial services center, conference and event halls, restaurant and coffee shop facilities, and a luxury hotel.[23] In 2016 Tawakal Money Express finished building a large multi purpose structure by the market area.[24] A number of companies using modern telecommunication systems are also operating in the city and provide services in Galkayo and Garowe.[25]
Galdogob and the surrounding region are served by the Galdogob Airport.[26] A major renovation of the facility was launched in 2020 and the first scheduled flight departed in 2022. The airport was inaugurated by Fardowsa Osman Egal, the Federal Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation of Somalia, with the event attended by several Puntland officials.[27]
Demographics
Tawakal Bank
According to the latest OCHA population statistics, the broader Galdogob District had a total population of 189,989 residents, of whom 95,280 were women, while 9,042 were over the age of 60.[28] The population has remained stable over the years, and has even seen an increase from a returning Somali diaspora.[29]
Climate
Galdogob has a hot arid climate (KöppenBWh). The coldest average temperatures occur during the winter months of November to February, when thermometer readings range from 23 to 25°C (73 to 77°F). The weather slowly heats up in the spring, as the April rainy season begins. Average temperatures later reach a maximum of around 41°C over the summer period. Come September, a gradual fall chill starts to set in again.[30]
Galdogob has several academic institutions. According to the Puntland Ministry of Education and Higher Education, there are 25 primary schools and 5 secondary schools in the Galdogob District. Among these are Ciro, Al-Nur Galdogob, Kulmiye Galdogob and Qansaxle.[31] Secondary schools in the area include Ain Shams and Galdogob Secondary.[32] Higher learning is provided by AED Informal Education College, and Puntland State University [PSU].[33]
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