03/11/2025
Somali Diaspora Split in Minneapolis Mayoral Race Between Omar Fateh and Jacob Frey
Minneapolis, MN — (DalmarPodcast)- Somali diaspora community in the United States, which took root after the Somali civil war that claimed thousands of lives, remains politically divided as the Minneapolis mayoral election approaches.
This division has become clear in the race between Omar Fateh, a Somali-American candidate, and Jacob Frey, both U.S. citizens vying for the city’s top leadership position. Members of the Somali community in Minneapolis — one of the largest Somali populations outside Africa — are split in their support, reflecting both local political differences and deep-rooted rivalries that date back to the homeland.
Community leaders and activists have urged unity, emphasizing the need to focus on shared goals such as education, job creation, housing, and public safety. However, tensions remain high as both campaigns seek to mobilize Somali-American voters, a key voting bloc that could determine the election outcome.
As Election Day nears, the race between Omar Fateh and Jacob Frey highlights the growing political influence of the Somali diaspora — and the challenges of turning that influence into a force for unity rather than division.
Mohamed Ali Abdi
