The Majeerteen (, ; also spelled Majerteen, Macherten, Majertain, or Mijurtin) is a sub-clan of the Harti Darod. It is one of the major Somali groups, with a vast traditional territory spanning 3 major regions of Somalia: Bari, Nugaal and Mudug. From Bosaso down to Garacad, the Majerteen settle in what is literally considered to be the 'Horn of Africa'. They can also be found in Kismayo in southern Somalia. They primarily inhabit the Puntland state of northern Somalia. Overview The Majeerteen Sultanates played an important role in the pre-independence era of Somalia. The Majeerteen also held many other significant government posts in the 1960s and 1970s, and continue to play a key role in Puntland state and Somalia as a whole. For the treaty between the Majeerteen and colonial powers, see "treaties". Distribution The Majeerteen are traditionally settled in Somalia's northern regions of Bari, Nugal and Mudug. They can also be found in Kismayo in southern Somalia due to migrations starting in the 19th century along with their fellow members of the larger Harti subclan, the Dhulbahante, Dishiishe and Warsangeli. The Majeerteen are traditionally settled in the land in-between Bandar Siyada an ancient port town facing the Gulf of Aden, and Garacad a coastal port town, facing the Indian Ocean and all the land in between which corresponds to the area encompassing the Horn of Africa. Therefore, the Majerteen are settled in what is literally considered to be 'the Horn of Africa'. Some Majeerteen people are also found in the Somali Region in Ethiopia, specifically in the Dollo Zone near the Somalia border. The Majeerteen are part of Darod subclans within Somalia. The Majeerteen are more commonly found in the cities of Bosaso, Garowe and Galkacyo which are all regional capitals of Bari, Somalia, Nugal, Somalia and Mudug respectively. The Osman Mahmud (Cismaan Maxamuud), Omar Mahmud (Cumar Maxamuud), and Isse Mahmoud (Ciise Maxamuud) comprise the Maxamuud Saleebaan. Muuse Salebaan, also known as Ugaar Saleebaan, is another major subclan which a 2010 study identifies as both the main division of Majeerteen and a central and unifying entity in Puntland. During the 1960s, the Ali Saleebaan (or Cali Saleebaan), Wadalmuge and Ciise Maxamuud formed a powerful business class in Kismayo, while Siad Barre exploited a rivalry between the Cali Saleebaan and Cumar Maxamuud in an effort to weaken the Majeerteen in general. Historically, the Cali Saleebaan formed part of a coastal