By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 1 February 2026 – Former Mogadishu mayor, Yusuf Hussein Jimcaale ‘Madaale’, says U.S. President Donald Trump’s constant criticism of Somalia is proof the country’s peacebuilding effort is drawing global traction.
Speaking at a meeting of Somali expatriates in Mogadishu held in support of President Hassan on Saturday, Madaale said Somalia has reached levels of development unseen since the 1990s, citing improvements in resource management, technology initiatives, and efforts to finalize the constitution and implement one-person-one-vote elections.
“Today we see the United States sticking it to us; before, they didn't stick it to us, and they didn't talk about us. That's means we are progressing,” Madaale said.
More from Somalia
He also pointed to Somalia’s growing presence in international bodies, particularly the U.N. Security Council, where the country is taking an active role on security and development issues.
Madaale’s remarks come amid a series of critical comments on Somalia and Somalis by President Trump, which have attracted widespread international media coverage.
