Somalia: Farmaajo drops US citizenship, but will this deliver victory?
Published: 3/Aug/2019
Source: The East African (Nairobi)
Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has cemented his nationalistic credentials by renouncing his American citizenship as the electioneering race heats up.
On Thursday, President Farmaajo, who had acquired his US citizenship by naturalisation after serving as a Somali diplomat there, said with that decision behind him, he can now focus on his work.
“I am proud to serve my people and always believe in their potential to rebuild this nation. I am neither discouraged by our past, nor daunted by the enormity of the task ahead,” he said.
The Provisional Federal Constitution allows Somalis to retain their citizenship status, even when they become nationals of other countries.
Additionally, dual nationality status does not prevent them from becoming president. Three past Somali presidents had foreign passports.
Dr Abdiwahab Sheikh, who commentates on Horn of Africa issues, says the president move was a step in the right direction.