Monday May 19, 2025
Ethiopia’s Somali State President Mustafa Mohammed Omer, also known as Cagjar (center), stands alongside officials during a reception in Nairobi on May 18, 2025, marking his official visit to Kenya.
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — Ethiopia’s Somali State President, Mustafa Mohammed Omar 'Cagjar', has urged Somalis living abroad to return home and help rebuild the region, calling on professionals and entrepreneurs in Kenya to invest in local development as the state embraces newfound autonomy and peace.
Speaking to hundreds of diaspora members at a reception in Nairobi on Sunday, Mustafa emphasized that the Somali State has entered a new chapter, citing improved stability and expanded self-governance as key achievements under his leadership.
“Our region is finally at peace. There is real development happening on the ground,” Mustafa said. “We are no longer facing politically motivated arrests like in the past. I encourage those living abroad to come back and contribute—invest in your people and your future.”
The event, hosted by Somali State residents in Nairobi, was part of Mustafa’s Kenya tour. He was initially invited by Garissa Governor Nathif Jama to attend Saturday’s Garissa Cultural Day celebrations. His visit marked a rare moment of high-level public diplomacy between Somali communities in Kenya and Ethiopia, who share deep linguistic and familial ties across the border.
Kenyan Governors Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir, Mohamed Adan Khalif of Mandera, and Nathif Jama of Garissa attended the event, along with Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Kenya, General Bacha Debele. Several members of parliament, ministers from the Somali State, and local officials also joined the gathering.
Mustafa claimed that recent reforms under Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have allowed regional states more autonomy, arguing that this has enabled the Somali State to address local needs and attract investment.
“We are in an era of accountability and visibility,” he said. “Thanks to digital tools and social media, people can now see what is happening in our region in real time.”
Kenyan leaders commended Mustafa’s leadership and echoed his call for stronger cross-border cooperation. They praised the progress made in the Somali State and emphasized the importance of leveraging cultural ties to deepen economic collaboration.
Home to over six million people, Ethiopia’s Somali State borders both Somalia and Kenya and has long faced challenges related to conflict, marginalization, and underdevelopment.