Well Done Mr President, Well Done Minnesota!

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is welcomed in Minnesota, USA by the Somali Commmunity, with 5,000 in attendance.(Photos: http://photos.twincities.com)

 

Patriotic youth in Minnesota.
(Photos: http://photos.twincities.com)

Viewing the highlights following the recent trip our President and his delegation had taken, I had absolute joy and privilege to witness the unity of our people and a man who we could proudly say, is our leader. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who I had met in Villa Somalia (Civil servants conference he held matter of weeks after his election) and have admired from the very first day of his term, has really hit maximum points on impressing us with his integrity and his manner of handling our sensitive issues regarding the nation, at the same time raising the profile of our nation in taking part on interviews with international media’s. (Watch this CNN recent interview with ChristineAmmanpour.)

At first, we all must admit, we had no idea who he was, where he had come from or what his ambitions were as the first elected President in 40 years. All we knew was that change had arrived in Somalia and there was some type of buzz following him, wherever, or whatever he said. 

Kid puts up the fist sign, a slogan for freedom!
(Photos: http://photos.twincities.com)

Always, dealing with sensitive issues must be handled cautiously, and the situation in Kismayo, although we all can guess has third party interfering, was no other. Personally, I believe he is right to tell Kismayo that Mogadishu must know and must be informed about administrating local government. Hassan Sheikh is the president and he must show his authority otherwise we will face very comparable issue where other states will try to start a copycat movement. 

Another major factor (chosen by our Prime Minister with the knowledge of the President) was in choosing 10 ministers, which, to my understanding, is a tactical move. We don’t have the infrastructure to deal with any more than, it’s simple as that. Previous administrations had far too many ministers, with a lot not even having an office space and only carrying titles (and this is not by any means dismissing.) Also, with 10 ministers, the administration can keep up with corruption (which was rife in the old admin) with precious monitoring and working together in a small effective team with the option of expanding ministers, maybe in 2 years time, when institution/infrastructure is in place and Somalia has risen up. 

Foreign Minister/Deputy PM Fowzia Yusuf Adam with President
(Photos: http://photos.twincities.com)

The Prime Minister and the President had won us more when they chose Fawzia Yusuf Adam as the new foreign minister of Somalia and deputy Prime Minister. Fawzia, who hails from the northern region of Somaliland, in my opinion, was a great choice. This will provide a platform for Somalia and Somaliland to re-unite once and for all. It may not happen overnight, due to the sensitivity of the idea, but at least it will start up a network which we all hope to see bring us together. 

Another excellent example was the choosing of Maryam Qassim, (you can follow her wordpress here http://maryamqasim.wordpress.com/) which shows the government is in touch with the world. Our mothers/women have been totally hurt and neglected in this 2 decades of war and it is finally time, which is way overdue, for them to take part in decision making policies.

Our BEAUTIFUL MOTHERS
(Photos: http://photos.twincities.com)

Watching the reception our government received from the Somali community in America was not only emotional, but also sent out a message to doubters, we are with you Mr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the administration. There will be lot of ups and downs along the way, but in the long run, I am sure, this administration can deal with it. We are very optimistic, never had been more for previous administration but this one.

The only sad part is our President and his delegation will not receive the same hospitality which it did in the United States, when he arrives back in Mogadishu. That is the biggest shame really. I once told a friend, the Diaspora communities are really MORE wadani (patriotic) than locals, which is not intended as a criticism. He never believed me, Minnesota showed it and well done to the organizers and the community.

You can view the full video here -

 

Mohamed Hassan (Dj)