[1] Ahmed Yusuf was one of the most powerful rulers in East Africa and had 50,000 troops at his command and controlled a vast territory from stretching Mogadishu to the Jubba region.
[2] On the Benadir coast the potential power lay in the hands of Ahmed Yusuf, ruler of the Geledi Sultanate, who lived one day's march inland from Mogadishu.
Noted as a powerful ruler of the Rahanweyn, his brother Abobokur Yusuf was the governor of the lands opposite the southern Banadir coast.
Abobokur collected a 2,000 dollar tax from Barawa annually on behalf of Ahmed and the towns of Golweyn, and Bulo Mareer were exceedingly prosperous.
[9] After preparations were made to finally defeat the Bimal, Ahmed's brother Abobokur Yusuf warned him not to go through with the attack as the Geledi had an influential ally refuse to join the upcoming campaign.
Upon seeing the bodies of the dead men, the women of the Merca reportedly marveled at the beauty of Ahmed Yusuf and his brother, which resulted in a public uproar with them demanding a proper funeral for the late Sultan.