Yibir

The Yibir are an estimated 25,000 -member minority group within the Society of Somaliland in the Horn of Africa.

They live mainly in the northern part of the Somali region ( Somaliland ), but also in more southern parts there are Yibir. As the Midgan / Madhibaan and Tumaal they have a separate and discriminated status and are limited in the traditional clan system of Somaliland to occupations with low status as a blacksmith or shoemaker. They also live by a widespread common belief that it brings good luck to gift a Yibir in exchange for an amulet after the birth of a child.

The working as a weaver Yahar in southern Somalia are in some sources referred to as a subgroup of Yibir.

The origins of the Yibir are unknown. Among the Somali, the view is widespread that we are dealing with (descendants of ) Jews, which contributes to discrimination against this group; Yibir mean " Hebrews ". At least for centuries are the Yibir Muslims. According to their own traditions they came about a millennium as Arabic-speaking teachers in the Somali region. There are no relations with the Ethiopian Jews.

In the transitional parliament of Somalia one of the 275 seats for the Yibir reserved.