Somali-Americans Confront Tribalism

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Many Somalis have faced racism in their new homes in the United States after fleeing their war-torn homeland. But some are facing another kind of discrimination.

Reports say that the problem is tribalism. Somalia's population is comprised of four main tribes and other minority clans.

Tribalism has splintered Somali immigrant groups in other countries, but some activists in the Twin Cities are trying to do something to reduce tensions.

About 200 people recently attended the Anti-Tribalism Movement Reconciliation Conference in Minneapolis.

Organizer Ahmed Hirsi says tribalism wasn't an issue in Somalia until tribal conflicts re-emerged during the civil war. He says he hopes the reconciliation conference will lead to other community discussions.