AGREEMENT BETWEEN GADABUURSI AND BRITISH GOVERNMENT DECEMBER 11, 1884

The image contains a historic agreement between the Gadabursi tribe and the British Government, dated December 11, 1884. Below is a summary of the key points:

1. Pledge of Land (Article I): The Gadabursi tribe agrees never to sell, cede, mortgage, or give away any portion of their territory, except to the British Government.
2. Free Trade (Article II): British vessels are granted free permission to trade at all ports and places within the territories of the Gadabursi tribe.
3. Safety of British Subjects (Article III): British subjects residing in or visiting the Gadabursi territories are assured safety, protection, and freedom of travel under the safe conduct of the tribe’s elders.

The agreement concludes with the signatures of the Gadabursi representative, Jama Roblay, and Major Frederick Mercer Hunter, Assistant Political Resident at Aden, representing the British Government. It was signed in Zaila (Zeila) on December 11, 1884, corresponding to the Islamic calendar date 25th Safar.

This treaty underscores British efforts to secure alliances and trade rights while respecting local territorial sovereignty.