Photo by Kadra2016
In February, a new Somali president was elected. His name is Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. He was a former prime minister and U.S. dual citizen.
Per The Washington Post, “Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, a former prime minister and U.S. dual citizen, won Somalia’s long-postponed presidential election Wednesday. Voting took place at the international airport under heavy security. Somali citizens were not able to directly participate in the vote due to threats from extremist group al-Shabab, but Farmajo’s victory was widely seen as a reflection of popular support.”
Mohamud ran for president in 2012 but withdrew from the ballot after losing by a high margin in the second round.
CNN reports, “Mohamud, who took office in 2012, withdrew from the final ballot after losing 184 to 97 to Farmajo in the second round.”
Mohamud brings hope to the country of Somalia. Ever since 1991, when Islamic Extremists toppled dictator Sia Barre, the country has been in a political vacuum, creating a civil war.
USA Today explains, “He brings hope to the country, which has been disintegrating since 1991, when warlords ousted dictator Siad Barre, then plunged the nation into civil war. In the intervening years, militants took advantage of the political vacuum.” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is known for the eight months he spent as prime minister. When asked to step down, people took to the streets of Mogadishu requesting that he stay as prime minister.
The Washington Post states, “He brings hope to the country, which has been disintegrating since 1991, when warlords ousted dictator Siad Barre, then plunged the nation into civil war. In the intervening years, militants took advantage of the political vacuum.” Formaju was born in Mogadishu. He worked in the Somali Embassy in Washington. At first he decided not to go back to Somalia because of the political turmoil.
Per CNN, “Farmajo, 54, was born in Mogadishu. He worked at the Somali Embassy in Washington in the mid-1980s and decided to stay in the United States because of political turmoil in Somalia, according to his campaign website biography.”
Nik Ripken was a missionary in Somalia until he realized the threat to his life. After this, he traveled to different countries to see how persecuted Christians dealt with the difficulties they face.
Per Nip Ripken Ministries, “NRM engages current generations with the truth of Jesus Christ, challenging them to follow Him no matter the cost. Our prayer is that this new generation will set aside their fears so they can proclaim the good news and draw masses of hopelessly lost people to Him.”
Pray for the new government to have wisdom. Pray for an end to the civil war. Pray for many in Somalia to know Christ’s hope somehow.
Washington Post: Expectations run high for Somalia’s new president
CNN: Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo elected Somalia’s president
USA Today: Who is Somalia’s new president?
Nik Ripken Ministries: Mission Statement
