Enthusiastic crowd greets official seeking financial, academic support from Canada
Monday, April 13, 2009
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| Somali Minister of Diaspora Affaires, Hon Abdullahi Ahmed Abdulle Azhari
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Hon. Abdullahi Ahmed Abdulle, better known as Minister Azhari, was in Edmonton to hold an informal discussion with the local Somali community. About 100 people filled the ballroom at the Ramada hotel downtown for his visit, which marked the first time a Somali government official has visited Edmonton.
It's something local Somalis have waited a long time for.
"By the minister coming here, it shows that there is still a future and hope back home," said Mohamed Farah, while he waited for the event to get underway.
A last-minute change in venue meant the meeting, scheduled for 4 p.m., didn't happen until two hours later. Still, the crowd was patient during the delay, chatting quietly before breaking for afternoon prayers at five. By the time Azhari appeared, almost every chair had been claimed. Many stood and applauded when the minister entered.
"I came here to consult with them (to find) the best way they can help with their homeland," Azhari told The Journal through a translator. "We hope they will contribute with good ideas ... in the way of rebuilding Somalia, (through) investment in Somalia economically, as they can, and also (through participation) in the government of Somalia, because they have been exposed to good governments in Canada and the democratic system of government."
It's been decades since some local Somalis last set foot in their home country. Azhari's visit was a chance to connect and hear how Somalia is doing since President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed was elected in January.
"First of all, we want to support the government that's been established recently," said Jama Nur, a taxi driver who moved to Canada more than 20 years ago.
"Secondly, we want to know what kind of relationship (will be established) for this government and the community here."