MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab has reacted strongly to the United States’ decision to deny entry to Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, arguing that the incident demonstrates what it described as longstanding American hostility toward the Somali people.
Wararka Soomaaliya
The controversy erupted after Omar Artan, who was expected to become the first Somali referee ever to officiate a FIFA World Cup match, was denied entry into the United States upon arrival at Miami International Airport on Monday.
U.S. authorities later said the decision was based on security concerns and alleged that Artan had links to Al-Shabaab, the militant group that has waged a deadly insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for nearly two decades. American officials have not publicly released detailed evidence supporting the allegation.
Despite the allegation, Somalia’s federal government publicly rallied behind the Somali referee. Upon his return to Mogadishu on Wednesday, Omar Artan received a hero’s welcome from supporters and government officials before being received at the presidential palace by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who expressed solidarity with him and praised his achievements.
Faahfaahinta
Hours after Artan’s return to Somalia, Al-Shabaab issued a statement seeking to portray the incident as evidence of broader discrimination against Somalis by the United States.
“For decades, the United States government has cloaked its relationship with the Somali people in rhetoric promising partnership and progress. However, evidence suggests that beneath this diplomatic facade lies a deep-seated animosity,” the group said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“While Washington falsely claims to support Somalia, it simultaneously fosters corrupt leaders and land-grabbers, supports blood-thirsty warlords, wages economic warfare against the country’s critical infrastructure, and manipulates Somalia’s internal politics to serve American interests rather than those of the Somali people.”
Saamaynta
The militant group further alleged that U.S. policy toward Somalia had become more hostile under President Donald Trump.
“Since assuming office, the Trump administration intensified this brazen hostility against the Somali people, hurling vitriolic insults that branded them as “garbage” and tarnished their reputation,” the statement added.
Al-Shabaab also claimed that the Omar Artan’s case reflected a wider pattern of discrimination against Somalis.
Wararka.so waxay kuu soo tebineysaa wararka ugu dambeeyey ee Soomaaliya iyo caalamka. Si aad ula socoto wararkii ugu dambeeyey, booqo boggayaga.
