Minister of Diaspora & Somali Communities visits OSU

The Minister of Diaspora & Somali Communities Abdullahi Ahmed Abdulle (Azhari) visited OSU today. This visit was part of his tour of Somali communities in North America. He spoke in Somali to a largely Somali audience, and Q&A session followed his talk. Interpreting was done by Omar Hashi of the OSU Somali Students Association, with some input from the audience. I was particularly interested in the Minister’s announcement that his Ministry will soon establish centers in cities with large Somali populations, including Columbus. Audience members proposed potential functions for these centers, such as serving as “cultural sites” to promote Somali language and culture, and connecting Somali youth in Somalia and the diaspora for discussion of how to rebuild Somalia.