It is truly encouraging to see members of the Somaliland and Afar diaspora communities in the United States engaging with one another, participating in each other’s community events, and strengthening relationships through dialogue and cooperation.
As someone who has consistently advocated for greater engagement between Somalilanders and the Afar people, I am particularly pleased to see this taking place. Our communities are neighbors in the Horn of Africa, and geography, history, trade, security, and regional stability give us important shared interests.
Our relationship should be founded on mutual respect, understanding, peaceful coexistence, and practical cooperation. It should never be directed against another community. Rather, it should focus on identifying areas where our peoples can work together for their mutual benefit and for the peace and prosperity of the wider Horn of Africa.
What we are witnessing in Ohio is a positive example of the important role diaspora communities can play in building bridges that extend beyond borders.
I sincerely welcome this engagement and hope to see Somaliland and Afar communities continue strengthening their relationship, identifying shared interests, and working side by side both in the diaspora and in the Horn of Africa.
Neighbors in the Horn of Africa, partners in peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
