Somalia’s President voluntarily gave up his U.S. citizenship, his office announced Thursday.
A statement posted on Twitter said President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed began the process to renounce his citizenship after he was elected two years ago.
“The Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia allows for dual citizenship. The President, however, voluntarily filed for the renunciation,” the statement said.
The Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia allows for dual citizenship. The President, however, voluntarily filed for the renunciation.
— Villa Somalia (@TheVillaSomalia) August 1, 2019
Mohamed has lived, worked, and was educated in the United States. He most recently worked as a New York state transportation department official in Buffalo before he was elected as Somalia’s president in 2017.
He is expected to run for reelection in 2021, and some Somali officials who have dual citizenship have been accused of lacking loyalty to Somalia, according to the Associated Press.
“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. I will continue serving my people honestly with the firm belief that real power rests with the people,” Mohamed tweeted Thursday.
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. I will continue serving my people honestly with the firm belief that real power rests with the people.
— Mohamed Farmaajo (@M_Farmaajo) August 1, 2019
