Iwellemmedan (Iwəlləmədǎn)
The Iwellemmedan — also spelled Iullemmeden, Aulliminden, Ouilliminden, Lullemmeden — are one of the seven major Tuareg tribal or clan confederations (known as "Drum Groups").
Historically nomadic and intermixed with other ethnic groups, they inhabit a wide territory spanning east and north-central Mali, the Azawagh Valley, northwestern Niger, and extending south into northern Nigeria.
Once a single confederation of dozens of Tuareg clans, subject peoples, and allies, they have been divided since the 18th century into two main groups: Kel Ataram (west) and Kel Dinnik (east).
Post-colonial borders now place their homeland across Mali and Niger, with seasonal migration routes extending into Burkina Faso and Nigeria.
They speak the Tawellemmet variant of the Tamasheq language, though some sub-clans also speak other Tamasheq dialects, Songhai languages, and Arabic.
Divisions
The split into Kel Ataram ("People of the West") and Kel Dinnik ("People of the East") dates back to at least the 18th century.
Kel Ataram:
- Centered in Ménaka, Mali.
- Known for "maraboutic" (Imajeghen) clans such as Tahabanaten and Ighatafan.
Kel Dinnik:
- Centered in the Azawagh region near Tchin-Tabaraden and Tahoua, Niger.
- Major noble/free clans include Irreulen, Lisawan, Tiggirmat, Tellemidez, and Ikhekheren.
- The Kel Nan clan traditionally provides the Amenokal, the paramount leader.
Society & Lifestyle
- Both groups are pastoralists, migrating north into the Sahara during the rainy season and south into Nigeria and Burkina Faso during the dry season.
- Tuareg society is highly stratified into noble (Imajeghen), artisan, and servile castes, with some confederations also including allied non-Tuareg groups such as Arabic-speaking tribes.
History
- Origins: Tuareg migrations southward into present-day Mali and Niger occurred around the 11th century CE. By the 17th century, the Iwellemmedan were established south and east of the Adrar Ifoghas mountains.
- Conflicts: They clashed with the Kel Taddemekat confederation and later extended their control across the Gao Region of Mali, the Azawagh, and to the edge of the Aïr Massif.
- Dominance: At their height, they controlled the Niger River valley from Lake Faguibine to Say, Niger, and indirectly ruled Timbuktu until ousted in 1826 by the Fula Macina Empire.
- Colonial Era: Initially dominant in western Niger and eastern Mali, they signed a peace agreement with the French in 1903 but revolted in 1914–1916 under Amenokal Fihirun. The revolt failed, costing them much of their warrior class and influence.
- Later Dispersal:
- Severe droughts in 1972 and 1982 forced many Iwellemmedan to migrate south to Nigeria.
- Many settled near cities, especially in northern Nigeria, and some never returned to their homelands.
- Refugee settlements such as Lazert in Niamey became permanent communities.
See Also
- Tuareg
- Kel Adagh
- Kel Ahaggar
- Kel Ajjer
- Kel Ayr
- Kel Gres
- Kel Owey
- History of Niger
- History of Mali