Somali-American Mayor Nadia Mohamed of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, has arrived in Mogadishu for her first visit to Somalia in nearly a decade, praising the country’s progress and meeting senior government leaders during her official trip.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Somali-American Mayor Nadia Mohamed of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, arrived in Mogadishu on Friday for an official visit, receiving a warm welcome from senior Somali government officials as she returned to her country of origin for the first time in nearly a decade.
Mohamed was received at Aden Adde International Airport by government ministers, lawmakers, officials from the Banadir Regional Administration, and members of the public, reflecting growing recognition of the Somali diaspora’s role in international public service and political leadership.
Speaking shortly after her arrival, Mohamed said she was delighted to be back in Somalia and noted that her last visit was in 2016.
“I am very happy to be in my homeland today,” she said. “The last time I visited Somalia was in 2016, and I can clearly see the remarkable progress that Mogadishu has made since then.”
She praised the city’s development and encouraged continued investment in public services, infrastructure, and economic growth.
Mohamed made history in November 2023 when she was elected mayor of St. Louis Park after winning 58.4 percent of the vote, becoming the first Somali, first Muslim, first Black woman, and youngest person ever elected to lead the Minnesota city.
Her victory also marked a significant milestone for Somali-Americans in public office across the United States, highlighting the growing political influence of the Somali diaspora.
Before becoming mayor, Mohamed served on the St. Louis Park City Council after being elected in 2019 at the age of 23. During her time on the council, she focused on affordable housing, public safety, community engagement, and diversity initiatives.
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Her election attracted national attention after she spoke openly about overcoming criticism directed at her age, Somali heritage, and Muslim identity.
“If you don’t want to share, you can go somewhere else,” Mohamed said following her election victory. “But I’m staying here.”
Banadir Regional Administration Deputy Mayor for Security and Politics Mohamed Ahmed Diiriye (Yabooh) described Mohamed’s visit as an opportunity to strengthen relations between Mogadishu and St. Louis Park while recognizing the achievements of Somalis living abroad.
He congratulated her on her historic election and praised her leadership as an example for young Somalis around the world.
According to Somali officials, Mohamed is expected to hold meetings with senior government leaders, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, during her stay.
The welcoming ceremony was attended by Acting Speaker of the House of the People Saadiya Yasin Haji Samatar, federal ministers, members of parliament, regional officials, intellectuals, and representatives of the Somali cultural organization Barbarta Gashaaman.
Mohamed’s visit comes as Somalia increasingly seeks to strengthen engagement with its global diaspora, whose members continue to play prominent roles in politics, business, academia, and public service across North America, Europe, and beyond.
Officials say the visit also reflects Somalia’s efforts to encourage greater diaspora participation in national development, investment, and international partnerships as the country continues its recovery and state-building efforts.
About the Author
Fatuma Taxadar Yusuf is the Editor-in-Chief of Somali Report. She was the first woman to serve as an editor and media managing director in Somalia’s Puntland State. Previously, she worked with the BBC World Service and other leading media organizations in Somalia. She also serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Somalia Media Council, an independent body that regulates media standards and professional conduct in Somalia.
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