Mandera Deputy Governor Condemns Anti-Somali Remarks by Trump

8 December 2025 - Mandera Deputy Governor Ali Maalim has issued a strong condemnation of recent remarks made by the President of the United States targeting Somali immigrants and U.S. Congress woman Ilhan Omar, describing the comments as racist, dehumanising and part of a growing global trend of hatred.

Speaking during the annual Al-Huda Qur’an Competition in Mandera, Dr Maalim criticised the U.S. president’s description of Somali immigrants as “garbage,” the claim that Somalia is “barely a country”, and the claim that Somalis “contribute nothing” and should be deported.

The DG also added that These are not harmless slips this is deliberate politics of fear, division and dehumanisation and from Mandera, we say clearly, we reject this language without apology and without fear.

He noted that the remarks have been accompanied by calls for heightened immigration enforcement in Minnesota, creating fear within Somali neighbourhoods that have lived, worked and contributed to the United States for decades.

“No leader, anywhere on earth, has the right to strip a people of their dignity,” the Deputy Governor added.

Dr Maalim referenced to the Holy Qur’an verse that says, “We have certainly honoured the children of Adam…” (17:70).

“Allah did not say only Somalis, only Americans, or only this race or that has passport,” he added.

“He said the children of Adam. Any politics that brands entire communities as ‘garbage’ challenges an honour that Allah Himself has granted.”