Somali Refugee Returns to Homeland, Runs for President
Lewiston, Maine (MMD Newswire) April 3, 2012 — Originally hailing from one of Somalia’s major clans, Said Issa Mohamud, made official his candidacy for President of Somalia and now plans to help transition his homeland to a fully functioning modern democratic state. Mohamud left Somalia in 1991 when its government collapsed, and moved his family to Maine. Mohamud has returned to Somalia to create The People Party of Somalia and has already campaigned extensively in Mogadishu and many outlying regions.
“The challenges that lie ahead for Somalia will not be easy to overcome,” Mohamud said. “But if the people of Somalia are to have any hope for a normal future, we must meet these challenges together. Corruption, piracy and the absence of the rule of law stand in the way of the investment that will give every Somali a chance to live in peace and prosperity. Every Somali deserves the opportunities I’ve had in the last two decades. I will ensure these opportunities for them.”
Formerly a Chemistry Professor in Somalia, Mohamud enrolled in the Leadership and Organizational Studies program, with a concentration in Political Leadership,at the University of Southern Maine. Prior to the country’s collapse, Mohamud helped Somalia by educating Somali youth, giving them a background in science that would attract the best companies in the world to his homeland. He frequently speaks of his dream that someday the world will use products and ideas created by Somalis. “Today many Somalis have cell phones, but tomorrow I would like everyone in the world will have a cell phone designed by a Somali,” Mohamud says.
He realizes this will take more than educating Somalia’s children. First the rule of law, human rights, property rights, economic development and security must be addressed.
The Presidential candidate, born in Dhusa Mareb and educated in Mogadishu,is getting a lot of attention and support. Celebrities, singers and academics have joined with him. Mohamud is keeping a demanding schedule which now includes meeting with regular Somalis and influential clan Elders from the complex network of clans that have shaped his life from his early years. He will continue to meet with clan elders and people from central and southern Somalia. “Every clan and every Somali is important,” Mohamud notes. “We must end this civil war forever and create opportunities for all Somalis.” In a few weeks Mr. Mohamud will unveil his security strategy in New York City and then travel to Dubai on March 20thand to Mogadishu on May 1st.