Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has renounced his United States citizenship. Notably, the President has taken the decision to give up his citizenship despite the Somalia Constitution allowing for dual citizenship.
A statement posted on Twitter said President Mohamed Abdullahi made the decision voluntarily, with lawyers involved, and that the process is now complete. He made the decision after two years of being elected as Somalia’s president in February 2017.
“We are officially informing you that the president has renounced his second citizenship of the United States today,” his office said in a statement, reported Africa News.
The statement gave no further explanation as to why Mohammed gave up citizenship.
“The Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia allows for dual citizenship. The President, however, voluntarily filed for the renunciation,” the statement said.
Mohamed lived in the United States for a good number of years working as a New York state transportation department official in Buffalo. His family including his four children still lives in the US. He returned to his native Somalia as prime minister in 2010, a position he would only hold for eight months.
After being elected as Somalia’s President, his administration has had close ties with Washington in its fight against Al Shabaab militants. During his time in office, the U.S. has increased airstrikes against the notorious al-Shabab extremist group.
Mohamed is expected to run again in the 2021 election. He and other Somali officials with dual citizenship have faced accusations by some in Somalia that they lack complete loyalty to their country.
“I am proud to serve my people and always believe in their potential to rebuild this nation,” the president tweeted on Thursday. “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.”
