Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Monday welcomed Somali-American politician Samakab Hussein to his office in Mogadishu, in a meeting that focused on the contributions of the Somali diaspora and the importance of maintaining strong ties with Somalis abroad.
Samakab Hussein, who serves as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives in the United States, is originally from Somalia. He represents District 65A in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is part of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL). His visit to Somalia marks an important moment for both sides, showcasing the growing engagement between Somalia and its overseas communities.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Barre expressed his appreciation for Hussein’s visit and praised his achievements in American politics. He also highlighted the broader impact of Somali immigrants around the world.
“The Somali diaspora has made a major difference in the development of the countries they now live in—whether in business, politics, or building strong communities,” Barre said. “Rep. Samakab Hussein is a perfect example of that success. His visit is a symbol of pride and encouragement for Somalis everywhere.”
Barre also emphasized the Somali government’s commitment to working more closely with Somalis living abroad. He noted that the government wants to build stronger partnerships with the diaspora and involve them more in the country’s development and decision-making processes.
“Our government is ready to strengthen relations with our people overseas. Their experience, resources, and networks are very valuable as we continue to rebuild our country,” the Prime Minister added.
Samakab Hussein, for his part, thanked the Prime Minister for the warm reception and said he was honored to visit his country of origin in an official capacity. He acknowledged the challenges Somalia faces but expressed hope for the future, particularly through the efforts of Somalis at home and abroad working together.
Hussein also noted that many members of the Somali community in Minnesota and other parts of the United States are eager to contribute to Somalia’s progress. He encouraged continued cooperation between the Somali government and its diaspora.
The meeting reflects a growing recognition of the positive role the Somali diaspora plays, not just in their adopted countries, but in Somalia itself. With many Somali-Americans making strides in politics, education, healthcare, and business, leaders like Samakab Hussein are seen as bridges between communities, helping to create opportunities for dialogue, investment, and growth.
The Somali government has made engaging the diaspora a key part of its development strategy in recent years. Many returnees have already made significant contributions by investing in businesses, supporting humanitarian projects, and providing expertise in fields such as education, health, and governance.
Prime Minister Barre’s meeting with Representative Hussein is expected to encourage more members of the diaspora to connect with Somalia, and possibly take on more active roles in rebuilding and shaping the nation’s future.
As Somalia continues to recover from decades of conflict, partnerships with skilled and passionate individuals from the diaspora are seen as essential in building a stable and prosperous country.
In closing, the visit marked a moment of pride for both Somalia and its diaspora. It also sent a message of unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility for the country’s development.