History of Cadaado

The history of the city of Cadaado is closely interwoven with the traditions and way of life of the central regions of Somalia. Although the exact date of its foundation is unknown, for a long time it represented an important settlement for nomadic clans engaged in livestock farming.

Its geographical position made Cadaado a natural centre for the surrounding communities. Located in the Galguduud region, the city historically served as a place for trade and social gatherings. Its significance increased substantially in the modern period when it began to play an important administrative role in the structure of local government.

Initially, the economy of Cadaado, like that of the entire region, was built on pastoral livestock farming. Camels, goats, and sheep were not only a source of sustenance but also a measure of wealth. The culture of the city was formed under the influence of the traditions of nomadic peoples, their poetry, oral heritage, and social norms, which continue to influence the daily life of its inhabitants to this day.

Chronology of City Development

• 1950s — Foundation of the settlement. During this period, Cadaado began to form as a permanent settlement, becoming an important point for local pastoral communities.
• 1978 — Obtaining official status. The city was granted the status of a district administrative centre by a decree of the President of Somalia, which consolidated its role in the region.
• 1991 — Centre of refuge and stability. Following the outbreak of the civil war, the city became a vital sanctuary for thousands of displaced persons fleeing conflicts in the south and north of the country.
• 2008 — Capital of the Himan and Heeb administration. The city was declared the capital of the newly formed autonomous region of Himan and Heeb, which gave a powerful impulse to the development of local government institutions.
• 2013 — Modernisation of the transport hub. A new immigration terminal was built at the city airport, funded by the local administration to improve connectivity with the outside world.
• 2014 — Preparation for unification. The process of negotiations and preparation began for a large-scale conference on creating a unified federal state for the central regions.
• April 2015 — Start of the historic conference. The conference on the formation of the Galmudug State officially opened in the city, gathering delegates from all key clans of the region.
• July 2015 — Birth of Galmudug State. The constitution of the new federal state was adopted in Cadaado, and its first president was elected, making the city the historic birthplace of regional statehood.
• 2015–2018 — Interim Capital. For three years, the city served as the interim capital of Galmudug, hosting the parliament and government institutions.
• 2016 — Electoral Centre. The city became the venue for the election of members of the Lower and Upper Houses of the Federal Parliament of Somalia representing the Galmudug region.
• 2018 — Political transformation. As part of reconciliation agreements, main capital functions were officially transferred to the city of Dhusamareb, yet Cadaado retained its status as a key economic centre.
• 2022 — Airport renovation. A large-scale reconstruction of the runway and airport infrastructure was carried out, securing its status as the region's main air harbour.
• 2023 — Infrastructural growth. The city administration launched new projects for landscaping and expanding municipal services for the population, which has exceeded half a million people.

The development of Cadaado as one of the key cities in central Somalia was determined by its strategic location, social processes, and the gradual formation of administrative functions. The city has journeyed from a traditional settlement to an important regional centre.

Stages of Cadaado's Development

• Trade Hub. Thanks to its location at the crossroads between the southern and northern regions of the country, Cadaado historically established itself as an important centre of trade. This role became the foundation of its economic life, fostering market development and attracting merchants.
• Centre of Livestock Farming. Traditionally, the economy of the Galguduud region and the city itself is closely linked to nomadic and semi-nomadic livestock farming. Cadaado serves as a key market for the sale of livestock and animal products, which continues to constitute a significant part of local income today.
• Growth via Internal Migration. Starting from the period of the civil war, the city became a haven for many displaced persons from other regions of Somalia. This influx of population contributed not only to the city's expansion but also to the formation of a diverse social environment.
• Base for Humanitarian Organisations. The status of a relatively stable centre attracted numerous international and local humanitarian organisations to Cadaado. Their activities contribute to the development of social infrastructure, job creation, and the implementation of healthcare and education projects.
• Modernisation of Urban Infrastructure. In recent years, active landscaping processes have begun in the city. In 2024, new projects were launched and completed facilities were opened, aimed at improving the urban environment, signalling a new stage of urban development.
• Formation of Modern Governance. With the acquisition of administrative status, strategic documents began to be developed in the city, such as plans for housing development and traffic organisation. This indicates a transition to systematic planning and management of the urban economy.

Architectural Appearance and City Development

The city of Cadaado was founded in the mid-20th century, so its architecture does not include classical European styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque. The urban development and appearance of the city are defined by its modern history, functional needs, and local traditions. The architecture of Cadaado is predominantly utilitarian in character, reflecting its rapid growth as a trade and administrative centre.

Key features of architecture and urban planning:

• Functional construction of the 20th-21st centuries: The majority of buildings are modern, practical structures made of concrete and other available materials. One- and two-storey houses predominate, as well as commercial and administrative buildings constructed to meet the urgent needs of the growing population.
• Elements of traditional Somali architecture: Traditional motifs adapted to modern conditions can be traced in residential developments. These include internal courtyards, which ensure privacy and natural ventilation, as well as flat roofs, which are sometimes used as additional space.
• Organic urban planning: The layout of the city has largely formed spontaneously, especially in residential quarters. The growth of Cadaado, accelerated by its status as the capital of the Himan and Heeb state, and subsequently as a refuge for displaced persons, led to organic expansion without strict adherence to a single master plan.
• Notable modern objects: The architectural appearance of the city is shaped mainly by modern structures. These include administrative buildings constructed during the period when Cadaado was the capital, as well as mosques, hotels, schools, and markets, which serve as centres of social and business life.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Cadaado

The history of Cadaado as an important political hub in central Somalia is inextricably linked with the figures who shaped local and regional government bodies. Most of them are politicians who played a key role in the city's modern history.

• Mohamed Aden Tisey — First President of the Himan and Heeb State. He led the administration for which Cadaado became the capital in 2008. His activities laid the foundation for the subsequent formation of the Galmudug State, and he is considered one of the key figures in the establishment of the city as a political centre.

• Abdullahi Ali Mohamed "Baarleex" — Second and last President of the Himan and Heeb State. He succeeded Tisey and led the region until its official merger into the newly formed federal state of Galmudug in 2015. His governance was based in Cadaado.

• Abdikarim Hussein Guled — Fourth President of Galmudug. He was elected to this post in 2015 at a conference held specifically in Cadaado, which subsequently became the first official capital of the unified state. His election marked the culmination of the process to create a centralised regional government.

• Ahmed Moalim Fiqi — Influential Somali politician. In 2016, he was elected as a member of the Federal Parliament of Somalia representing Galmudug in elections held in Cadaado. Fiqi has held various high posts in the government, including the position of Minister and Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency, and his political career is closely tied to this region.

• Osman Isse Nur "Tardhule" — First Vice President of Galmudug State. He was elected alongside President Abdikarim Hussein Guled in 2015 and was based in Cadaado during the period when the city performed capital functions. His work was aimed at strengthening the new administration.