AU Special Representative challenges Somali youth in Minnesota to play a role in rebuilding Somalia

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia Ambassador Maman Sidikou has asked Somali youth to share innovative ideas that will help rebuild their country.

Ambassador Sidikou was addressing a delegation of youth leaders and students in Minneapolis, U.S.A, at a meeting he had with them on Wednesday, September 30, 2015.

“I am a strong believer in the participation of youth. Every aspect of our society, more so in Somalia needs new innovative ideas, to get out of the road travelled so far, of division, of lack of inclusivity, that is hurting the country so much,” he told a gathering of 33 youths, led by Abdirahman Mukhtar, of the Hennepin Country Public Libraries.
He encouraged the youth to take interest in the affairs of Somalia, particularly in the welfare of other youth who are experiencing challenges back home.

“Your participation will certainly help us to reach out to the youth in Somalia to fight radical ideologies,” he added.

Ambassador Sidikou who is in Minnesota to meet with different groups of Somalis living in the diaspora, reaffirmed AMISOM’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, stable and secure Somalia. He briefed the youth on the military operation by Somali National Army and AMISOM, currently ongoing in the Gedo region.

“We have embarked on an operation we can’t stop anymore. For that we need resources. When we stopped before, Al Shabaab emboldened. We are getting air assets, special mobile forces and enhanced intelligence to help us in this war,” he said.