Somalia’s President Meets Somali-American Mayor Nadia Mohamed to Strengthen U.S.-Somalia Diaspora Ties
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has met Somali-American Mayor Nadia Mohamed in Mogadishu, highlighting the growing role of the Somali diaspora in national development, investment, and strengthening relations between Somalia and the United States.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has met Somali-American Mayor Nadia Mohamed during her official visit to Mogadishu, where the two discussed the growing contribution of the Somali diaspora to national development and ways to deepen cooperation between Somalia and the United States.
The meeting, held at the Presidential Palace on Saturday, comes during Mohamed’s first visit to Somalia in nearly a decade and follows her arrival in Mogadishu earlier this week, where she received a warm welcome from senior government officials and members of the public.
According to the Presidency, President Mohamud praised Mohamed’s historic rise in American politics, describing her election as mayor of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, as a source of pride for Somalis around the world and evidence of the expanding influence of the Somali diaspora in international public life.
The president encouraged Mohamed to continue serving as a bridge between Somalia and the United States by supporting cooperation in investment, education, social services, and national reconstruction.
Mohamed thanked President Mohamud for the reception and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening ties between Somalia and Somali communities abroad.
Speaking during her visit, the mayor said she was delighted to return to her country of birth and expressed optimism about the changes she has witnessed since her last trip in 2016.
“I am very happy to be back in my homeland,” Mohamed said. “The progress I have seen in Mogadishu is remarkable.”
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She noted improvements in infrastructure, security, and public life, saying they reflected the resilience and determination of the Somali people.
Mohamed made history in 2023 when she became the first Somali, first Muslim, first Black woman, and youngest person elected mayor of St. Louis Park, a city in the U.S. state of Minnesota. Before becoming mayor, she served on the city council after first being elected at the age of 23.
Her election drew national attention in the United States and became a milestone for Somali-Americans, whose political representation has steadily grown across local, state, and federal institutions.
During her time in Mogadishu, Mohamed is also expected to meet university students, civil society representatives, and members of the Somali business community as part of efforts to strengthen engagement between Somalia and its global diaspora.
Officials say her visit reflects Somalia’s increasing focus on harnessing the skills, experience, and investment potential of Somalis living abroad, many of whom now occupy influential positions in politics, business, academia, and public service across North America, Europe, and beyond.
Analysts say the visit also underscores the growing importance of diaspora diplomacy, as Somalia looks to leverage the success of Somali communities overseas to build stronger international partnerships and support the country’s long-term recovery and development.
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.