A Presidential Visit

Within the confines of the Performance Hall at the Ohio State University, a crowd welcomed the president of the Federal State of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The speech on Monday, September 23 advocated for peace, education and security in Somalia. President Mohamud’s visit to Columbus came in part because the city is home to the second-largest Somali population in the US. The president was quick to express his immense gratitude to the city which so many Somalis call home. He also noted that OSU is only one of two universities in the world to have integrated a Somali language program into its curriculum. After these greetings, Mr. Mohamud then focused on enumerating his plan for Somalia and answered questions regarding state security.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia with CRIS Case Manager Sowdo Mohamud and CRIS Executive Director Angela Plummer

Mr. Mohamud was quick to recognize the need for a stable and effective Somali government. He noted issues of national unity and the rise of violent extremist groups including Al-Shabab. The president stressed the need for a strong security system in his country and spoke of efforts to institute a zero tolerance policy in regards to violence. He contended that the appointment of new military commanders would create a firm military leadership. President Mohamud, long an education advocate, also argued for improved education systems as a driving tool against radical groups within Somalia. Civic engagement programs, he said, would further promote stabilization as his administration’s “2016 Vision” aims to get every Somali citizen participating in the nation’s 2016 elections.President Mohamud spoke passionately projecting an air of hopefulness. Before becoming president, Mr. Mohamud was heavily engaged in the education sector, holding such notable positions as an education officer for UNICEF and head of department of the Technical Teacher’s Training College. He founded the Somali Institute of Management and Administration Development (SIMAD) which has now become a university. TIME magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people of 2013.Written by CRIS intern Wendy Bongjoh