Somalis denounce Trump's offensive remarks, while some acknowledge his honesty

MOGADISHU, Dec 3 Somalis expressed strong condemnation on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump made disparaging comments about them and their nation, though a small number acknowledged that he had highlighted some uncomfortable truths.

During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump referred to Somalis as "garbage" and stated, "we don't want them in our country." He added, "They just run around killing each other" and criticized the nation itself, saying, "Their country stinks."

Abdisalan Omar, a community elder from central Somalia, voiced his shock at the president's language. "The international community must respond," Omar said. "Leaders who speak like this should not represent the U.S. or the world."

The remarks followed an increase in Trumps attacks on Somali immigrants in the U.S., spurred by last weeks shooting of two National Guard members in Washington. The president announced plans to halt migration from so-called "third-world countries." Authorities have charged an Afghan man with the shootings; he has pleaded not guilty.

Bule Ismail, a 45-year-old construction worker in Mogadishu, criticized Trump's behavior. "Our culture rejects such abusive speech," he said. "The U.S. should respond first and then consider a mental evaluation for Trump."

Somali Prime Minister Calls for Diplomacy

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre adopted a measured stance at an innovation summit in Mogadishu, highlighting that Trump had insulted several other countries as well. "There are remarks that do not merit a response. It is wiser to ignore them than elevate them into an issue," he stated.

Last month, Trump ended temporary deportation protections for Somalis in Minnesota, citing "Somali gangs" causing problemsclaims that local authorities said were inaccurate.

Challenges in Somalia

Somalia continues to struggle with poverty and violence, particularly from the militant Islamist group al Shabaab, which has sought to overthrow the government for nearly twenty years and maintains links to al Qaeda.

Some Somalis interpreted Trumps remarks as criticism of their government rather than the people. Samira Abdullahi, a resident of Mogadishu who lost land to government seizure, expressed agreement with the presidents assessment. "Trump spoke the truth, albeit harshly," she said. "We have no effective government, and al Shabaab terrorizes the population."

Author: Logan Reeves