Can someone gently explain to @realDonaldTrump that Omar Artan is not related to Ilhan Omar.
“Omar” is a common Somali name, not a family tree.
One is refereeing a World Cup. The other is in Congress.
#OmarArtan
Please share this. If we stay silent today, we normalise this tomorrow.
Cc: @MoysFGS@sff1951@FIFAcom@CAF_Online@fifamedia@FIFAWorldCup
The exclusion of Somali referee Omar Artan from the World Cup is deeply troubling. As a British journalist of African origin, I am angered not only by what happened to him, but by the cowardly silence of FIFA and CAF. If they will not defend an African official at a World Cup, what do their commitments to inclusion and equality really mean?
Omar Artan didn’t just make the #FIFAWorldCup, he made history as the first Somali referee to get there, and as #Africa’s best. That milestone stands no matter what. So sorry to see this, Omar. You reached the summit of your profession and inspired a generation back home just by getting there, and being kept off the pitch you earned doesn’t change that. This won’t be the end of your story on the world stage. The world stands with you as one family, wishing you resilience now and many more major finals to come. Solidarity. #Somalia
What an absolute disgrace. A FIFA-certified referee being denied entry to the United States purely because he is Somali.
The World Cup is meant to bring people together. This is racism, plain and simple. Shameful.
https://t.co/rpSgTmmPU4
Somalia Strategic Partnership Criteria.
#Thread ��:
1/ Absence of Hostile Agenda
A viable partner must not have territorial disputes or historical hostility toward Somalia. Any state with active conflicts or competing claims cannot be considered a strategic partner.
2/ Ideological Alignment
Partnerships work best when there is alignment in governance principles, political outlook, and, where relevant, cultural or religious context. Deep misalignment risks long-term instability in cooperation.
3/ Sovereign Decision-Making (Independence)
Priority should be given to countries with independent foreign policy. States heavily influenced by external powers often act as intermediaries rather than true decision-makers.
4/ Trustworthiness & Reliability
A strategic partner must demonstrate consistency in honoring agreements, maintaining commitments, and avoiding sudden policy shifts or opportunistic behavior.
5/ Tangible Value & Capability Transfer
Partnerships should deliver measurable benefits such as industrial development, technology transfer, job creation, and skills development.
This is the concern. An unrecognised administration defying international law and Palestinian rights; what happens if it gains recognition? Reckless moves today signal worse tomorrow, hijacking the people of Northern Somalia into hostile alignments.
I am pleased to announce that the Republic of Somaliland’s Embassy will be located in Jerusalem - the Embassy will be opened soon, while Israel will also establish its Embassy in Hargeisa, reflecting growing friendship, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation between our two peoples.