1. The author of this article has observed ONLF mobilization campaigns both within and outside of the Somali Regional State and has regularly interacted with senior ONLF officers in the past.
2. The fatwa was posted on a website supportive of ONLF’s cause, http://qorahay.com/shafiif2.ram (accessed: 23 January 2009).
3. Al-Jazeera interview 13/3/2008 at 11:17 GMT.

The author thanks Tobias Hagmann for comments and editorial support.