If the latter movement reflected in some measure the hubris of the Majertyn clansmen whose political ascendance had been eclipsed by Siyad's Marehan power, the SNM articulated Isaq grievances ranging from inadequate political representation, neglect in development, and the frustration of local businessmen and exporters chafing at economic controls that adversely affected the parallel market which, boosted by hard currency from livestock and labour exports to the Gulf states, flourished so profusely in the north. The livestock trade, in which Isaqi merchants played a leading role, received a further severe shock in 1983 when the Saudi government imposed a rinderpest ban on Somali imported stock.

I.M. Lewis, I. M. Lewis, A Modern History of the Som…, loc. 599