The Formation of Somaliland Protectorate

Historically, The British used Indirect Rule for their colonial advantages to control and exploit clans. Just subsequent to British treaty with Warsangeli in 1886, the Somaliland protectorate was formed. Much of the country's economic dependency was the trade relationship it had with Aden, Yemen, which was based on the export of livestock, frankincense, and myrrh in return for food, cloth, and other materials. Since then, the protectorate was administered from Aden till 1898 just before the rise of Sayid Mohammed Abdulle Hassan.

The British also realized that the effort to pacify native authority with treaties was not sufficient and it could insinuate malicious mischief within the protectorate. In 1884, the British government made protection treaties with Ciise, Gudabirsi and Isaq, all at once. This particular tripartite treaty was beneficial to the English colony in operating internally and in harmony with the clan social systems of North Western Somalia. Sultan Mohamoud Ali Shire, however, and his independent operation in his country was nonpareil and historically remarkable. How his Regency wielded such power to exercise independent operation and rule is still a baffling question to most historians. In article five of British treaty with Warsangeli states the historical context of Warsangeli territory as a legitimate country that in which the British government appointed an ambassador and was in the process of building an office there. Article V. The British Government shall have the power to appoint an Agent or Agents to reside in the Territories of the Warsangali, and every such Agent shall be treated with respect and consideration, and be entitled to have for this protection such guard as the British Government deem sufficient." (Art V).

In another article of the treaty entered by British with Warsangeli highlights the independence of Warsangeli from colonial interventions against their territories.

III. The Warsnagali are bound to render assistance to any vessel, whether British or belonging to any other nation, that may be wrecked on the shores under their jurisdiction and control , and to protect the crew, passengers, and cargo of such vessels, giving speedy intimation to the Resident at Aden of the circumstances; for which act of friendship and good-will a suitable reward will be given by the British Government