 For most of its history, Harardhere was a historic town part of many Somali sultanates like the Ajuran Sultanate and Hiraab Imamate who ruled over the town since 13th century.After Somalia gained independence the town developed and gave birth to many prominent Somali politicians and military officials like Abdirashid Ali Shermarke the second president of Somalia, Maj. Gen Daud Abdulle Hirsi the first Commander of the Somali Armed Forces, Maj. Gen Mohamed Abshir Muse First Commander of the Somali Police Force and Maj.Gen Salaad Gabeyre Kediye.The town has been controlled by the Al Qa'ida-linked terrorist group al-Shabaab since at least 2012.