By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly condemned remarks attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump in which he reportedly referred to Somalis as “trash,” calling the comments offensive and an insult to the dignity of an entire nation.
Speaking in an interview with Al Arabiya English, Mohamud said the language was unacceptable and risked reinforcing harmful stereotypes about Somalis, particularly those living abroad.
“Somalis are intelligent, capable and resilient people,” the president said, warning that such rhetoric could undermine the long-standing relationship between Somalia and the United States.
Mohamud stressed that Somalia values its partnership with Washington, especially cooperation on security and counterterrorism, but emphasized that mutual respect must remain the foundation of bilateral relations. “Respect is essential in any partnership,” he said.
The president also highlighted the contributions of the Somali diaspora, noting that millions of Somalis around the world play constructive roles in the societies where they live, including in the United States.
Addressing the issue of Somali migration, Mohamud said Somalis residing legally in the U.S. have the right to remain, while decisions regarding undocumented migrants fall under U.S. laws and institutions.
“Somalia respects the sovereignty of other countries in implementing their immigration policies,” he said, urging that discussions around migration be conducted with dignity and fairness.
Somali communities in the United States are among the largest outside the Horn of Africa, with significant populations in states such as Minnesota, Ohio and Washington.
Mohamud’s remarks come amid heightened political debate in the United States over immigration, national security and foreign policy rhetoric, with migration and international relations increasingly central to domestic discourse.
