MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Somali Americans in Minnesota are gearing up for the 2024 election, with both Democratic and Republican party representatives urging them to participate in the democratic process. A town hall event, organized by VOA, was held last month in Minneapolis, where panelists from both parties answered questions and discussed key issues that are important to the Somali American community.
One of the main topics of discussion was the economy. While many Somali Americans have traditionally leaned towards the Democratic party, there has been a growing number of supporters for former President Donald Trump. They credit him for the strong economic conditions during his presidency, despite concerns over his immigration policies.
Faisal Deri, chair of the African Republicans of Minnesota, urged Somali Americans to vote for Trump, stating that his policies have directly benefited the community. He pointed out that during Trump’s term, many Somali truck drivers saw a significant increase in business, leading to a boost in income and the ability to support their families back in Somalia. In contrast, Deri claimed that business has declined since President Joe Biden took office, and many truck drivers have been forced to park their trucks.
Nimo Ahmed, a Democrat and activist, who is also the chair of the Somali American Coalition Action Fund, believes that Trump’s policies primarily benefit millionaires and do not support the middle class. She emphasized that Vice President Kamala Harris will focus on supporting small businesses, which are essential for many Somali families in Minnesota who run small stores. Ahmed stated that the Democratic party is the only one that truly supports the middle class and their economic interests.
Habon Abdulle, director of Ayada Leads, an organization that empowers African diaspora women, stressed the importance of voting for the upcoming election. She urged the community to make their voices heard and to vote for the candidate that aligns with their values and interests.
During the town hall, the panelists also addressed questions about the U.S. economy, such as why the country is spending billions of dollars on foreign wars while homelessness persists. They also discussed the high interest rates and the community’s desire for affordable homeownership. In response, Deri argued that the ongoing wars abroad have contributed to rising interest rates. He noted that during Trump’s presidency, interest rates were low, allowing many Somalis to purchase homes. However, that is no longer the case, and affordability has decreased. Deri stated that if Trump is re-elected, his first action would be to end the wars and redirect those funds towards domestic use.
Nimo Ahmed defended Harris on economic policies, stating that her focus is on supporting lower and middle-class Americans. She also addressed concerns about Trump’s immigration policies, which include plans for mass deportations and a travel ban that affected many foreign visitors during his last term in office. Ahmed stated that Trump’s policies would not be beneficial for the Somali American community and that Harris would prevent deportations, allowing those without legal status to live with dignity in the United States.
In contrast, Deri argued that Trump’s immigration policies aim to prevent criminals from entering the country, which benefits all American communities, including Somalis. He emphasized that the focus is not on targeting Somalis specifically, and that each country’s rules must be respected.
Another important topic discussed at the town hall was foreign policy. Ahead of the election, surveys have shown that many American Muslims oppose the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Some participants questioned why they should support Harris when there seems to have been no significant action in ending the conflict in Gaza.
Nimo Ahmed expressed her disappointment with the current administration’s failure to establish a cease-fire in Gaza. However, she believes that Trump would only make the situation worse for Gazans. Ahmed stated that the Democratic party can be held accountable for their actions, while the Trump administration lacks accountability.
In contrast, Deri argued that the Biden-Harris administration’s policies have been tested and that they have missed their opportunity to deliver aid to Gaza. He believes that if Trump is re-elected, he could potentially resolve the conflict quickly.
Amin Harun, a lawyer in Minneapolis, believes that the division of opinion among American Muslims is a significant issue. He stressed the importance of unifying the voices of Muslims in order to express their collective thoughts.
Abdulle, the director of Ayada Leads, underscored the importance of voting in the upcoming election. She urged the community to not only vote for the president but also to participate in local
