Hersi Gurey

As the Colonial War grew, with the breakdown of neutral people and no single successor to Italian and British rule emerging, the term "traditional" or "Capo" came into use in Somalia to describe heads of tribal and clan organizations and a complex web of regional and local domination.^[3]

Xirsi is listed as the Capo (Lead chief) of the Habar Gidir, who received a silver medal in 1928 on behalf of the slain war hero, the Italian Dubat soldier Botan Warsame, from the Sacad Reer Jalaf clan for his leading contribution to the Italo - Somali War: Campaign of the Sultanates and the capture of Gorrahei from the Ogaden supporters, where both the sultanates and Gorrahei fighters had initially sought assistance from the Ethiopian Monarchy.^[4]

As a result of the successful conquest of Ethiopia, Capo Hersi alongside Olol Dinle and several chiefs were given an official invitation to meet Hitler and Mussolini in Rome, 1938.^[5]

Many of his descendants until today play a prominent role in Somalia.

Hersi gurey is most notable for his participation in the Campaign of the Sultanates. Hersi was a major ally for Fascist Italy, in their campaigns against the northern Somali sultanates of Hobyo, and Majeerteenia. He led his soldiers throughout the rugged terrain, and despite having heavy casualties, his victory was never forgotten. Not by his Dubats or Italian allies.^[6]

Alongside Sultan Olol Dinle Hersi played a prominent role during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in which Italy successfully conquered and colonised Ethiopia from 1936 to 1941 where Hersi sent troops to his ally and kinsman Sultan Olol Dinle.^[7]