US legislator under fire for comments on Africa, prompting demands for resignation.

Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-born member of the US Congress, is currently facing demands to resign from her position representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District. Critics argue that she prioritizes the interests of Somalia over those of the United States.

A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Rhoda Elmi, the breakaway Somaliland deputy foreign minister, shows Omar assuring Somalis that she will work to prevent a disputed sea-access deal with Ethiopia.

This has further fueled the accusations against her. House Republicans, including House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, have condemned Omar’s remarks and called for her resignation, stating that she is not fulfilling her duty to the people of Minnesota.

The deputy foreign minister of Somaliland also criticized Omar’s comments, deeming them unacceptable and unworthy of her position. Omar, on the other hand, claims that the subtitles on the video were incorrect and accuses the propagandists of distorting her words.

She emphasizes the importance of consent from the federal government in land lease negotiations between nations to ensure the survival of a nation-state.

The unity between Somalis in Somalia and those in the diaspora remains unwavering, as they strive towards a common goal. It is with great solidarity that I stand alongside them, despite the unwarranted harassment and dissemination of falsehoods.

These recent events have only heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly with the agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia.

The lease of coastland for 50 years, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea and the establishment of a marine force base, has been met with opposition from Somalia. Despite the split state’s declaration of independence in 1991, Somalia still considers Somaliland its territory and deems the agreement as “illegal” and a threat to its sovereignty.

In response, Mogadishu has garnered support from the Arab League, consisting of 22 nations, urging Addis Ababa to revoke the pact. Egypt has also expressed its commitment to safeguarding Somalia’s territory and preventing any encroachment upon it.