The results were reported back by the chairman of the selection committee Dr. Abdirashid Sheikh Yusuf a cardiologist from Turin Italy who explained that both candidates were chosen by locations as the UK and USA are where the majority of the Somali Diaspora reside today. He went on to praise both candidates for their contribution to Somalia, communities in the adopted homes and for the leadership they have shown throughout the conference. Abdi Barud’s election success came just after he returned from visiting the Prime Minister of Turkey Mr. Erdogan with other selected Diaspora conference delegates this evening.
Abdi Barud, a qualified child protection Social worker in Bristol UK is a community organizer and activist who is the Secretary of Act For Somalia an influential Diaspora organization based in Bristol but working globally to promote peace, security and development in their home country through advocacy, dialogue and community development and engagement.
“He is a genuine leader who has shown commitment to the Somali people both in the UK and in Somalia. He is one of the key members of our Diaspora we can rely on to lead us to a better future as a Diaspora,” said one delegate who did not want to be named.
“Abdi is exceptional and I have every confidence he will do his best in this role and lead with conviction and integrity. He has done this in his current role with us,” said Mohamed Cantoobo Chairman of Act For Somalia said proudly. “It is a great day for the Diaspora and Somali people.”
In his speech to the Diaspora delegates and Somali community members present in Istanbul Abdi Barud stressed the importance of working together to make this organization an effective one that works hard to make its people proud both abroad and at home.
“You have chosen me to lead in an open, honest and effective way. I want you to work with me genuinely to make this organization a success for the future. All our sacrifices over the last 2 days will be worth it,” said Abdi Barud, the new Executive Director of Global Somali Diaspora. “Don’t praise me falsely but work with me to guide me when you feel I need it too.”
“Our aim is that Somalis becomes a major actor in their own national destiny. We are helping to build their human capital throughout our educational institutions here in Turkey and we will continue to strengthen our ties and relationship with Somalia and its people,” said the Deputy Prime Minister. Professor Isler concluded by stating that Somalis are always welcome in Turkey and that they should treat it as their home too.
Osman Jama Kalun expressed his gratitude to the conference organisers and praised them for their efforts, ambition and professionalism. He spoke of the importance of the Diaspora and their contribution to their nation and the uniqueness of this Global Diaspora conference in Istanbul.
“It is the only conference or gathering of Somalis I have attended where people have been united by an idea. This is unique and refreshing,” said the former Somali Deputy Prime Minister.
The Diaspora organisational leaders and individuals who contributed and were celebrated at the conference for their contribution to Somalia were many and included Dr. Fatima Sh. Ali Jimaale. She qualified and worked as a Psychiatrist in Denmark before been inspired to return by an article in Hiiraan online about the ill treatment and lack of medical support for mental health patients in Burao. Dr. Jimaale spoke movingly about the ills of khat abuse by Somali men and labelled it as one of the main causes of their mental ill health whilst praising the Somali women everywhere for struggling on despite the absence of support from their men in many cases she witnessed both in Somalia and abroad.
Dr. Jimaale and other Diaspora leaders encouraged their counterparts everywhere across the world to contribute in the best way they can to rebuilding Somalia.
All the delegates interviewed expressed their gratitude to the conference organisers for allowing them to be a part of such a “special process.”
“I am from Ireland and I met so many amazing people at the conference who did not even know Somalis lived in Dublin my new home,” said Hani Gacal of the Somali Youth of Ireland organisation based in the capital of the Republic of Ireland. “Today I feel I have a network across the world to work with to help my community in Ireland.”
“Perhaps this is the birth of an organisation that was missing in the Somali Diaspora experience in the last 24 years,” said Ibrahim Yusuf a member of the Australian community representing them at the international conference. “Inshallah it could be the catalyst for change in Diaspora engagement with all Somali stakeholders and governments across the world.”
“This Diaspora organisation will be born with great expectations and we hope that they can connect all aspects of Somali Diaspora affairs and issues to the home nation and their national governments too. It will not be easy but with determination, coordination and collective effort this organisation can go very far,” said Ali Shaamey the Director of operations at the influential Minnesota Somali Chambers of Commerce in America.
Source: HOL