Somalia’s Federal Government has not issued an official response to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who used a World Economic Forum appearance in Davos, Switzerland, to question Somalia’s statehood and accuse Somalis of large-scale financial crimes.
In his address, Trump alleged that “Somali thieves” had taken billions of dollars in the United States and described Somalis as “low in intelligence.” He also claimed the U.S. had waged military action against Somali pirates, drawing a comparison to operations against drug traffickers in Venezuela. The White House did not immediately release a transcript of the specific remarks, but the comments have ricocheted across Somali media and social platforms, prompting calls for a firm response from Mogadishu.
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The silence from Somalia’s federal leadership stands out given its recent emphasis on defending national sovereignty and safeguarding the country’s international standing. Several cabinet members known for rapid responses to political commentary have also remained quiet.
The remarks land amid Trump’s ongoing feud with U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Somali American lawmaker whose public disagreements with the former president have become a touchpoint in broader U.S. debates over immigration, refugees and identity. Analysts say the Davos comments risk inflaming those disputes while complicating how Somali officials engage with a long-standing partner.
- What was said: Trump questioned Somalia’s statehood and alleged that “Somali thieves” took billions, characterizing Somalis as “low in intelligence,” and referenced U.S. military actions against Somali pirates.
- Why it matters: The comments cut directly at national identity and dignity for Somalis at home and in the diaspora, while potentially straining ties with Washington.
- Official response: As of publication, Somalia’s Federal Government has not publicly addressed the remarks, despite recent messaging focused on sovereignty and international image.
Somalia’s president did not attend this year’s Davos meeting, a notable absence from a stage that political analysts and diplomats consider vital for signaling and global engagement. The no-show drew scrutiny even before Trump’s comments sharpened the moment, elevating expectations that Mogadishu would mount a public defense.
The episode has ignited debate across Somali-language media, with prominent commentators urging the government to respond promptly and unequivocally. Many argue that allowing such statements to go unchallenged risks normalizing derogatory narratives about Somalis and undermines the country’s efforts to project stability and credibility abroad.
The government’s reticence is drawing questions about its diplomatic strategy—particularly how it balances ties with countries that maintain deep connections to the Somali people while refraining from direct engagement on rhetoric that disparages the state and its citizens. Some observers say an official response could clarify red lines and expectations in foreign relations; others argue that avoiding a bilateral public confrontation may be a deliberate choice to prevent escalation.
Beyond the immediate flashpoint, the controversy underscores the delicate position of the Somali diaspora in the United States and Europe, where community members regularly navigate political debates on immigration and security that intersect with perceptions of Somalia. It also highlights how rhetoric from major global platforms like Davos can reverberate far beyond the conference halls, shaping narratives that governments feel compelled to manage—or contest.
There was no immediate indication of when, or if, Somalia’s federal authorities would address the matter publicly. Diplomats and analysts will watch for any formal statement from Mogadishu, as well as potential responses from Somali civil society and diaspora leaders who have grown increasingly vocal in demanding a defense of the country’s image on the international stage.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
