Mogadishu — Two weeks ago, a fundraising campaign to thank outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi “Farmajo” by building him a residence in Mogadishu was set in motion. What began as a simple idea has since transformed into a powerful movement, reflecting the deep appreciation Somalis hold for a leader they trust.
The Genesis of the Campaign
Sheikh Abdi Hersy, a Canadian Somali imam and a widely followed social media commentator, said he launched the campaign after many of Farmajo’s supporters approached him. These supporters shared their discomfort upon hearing that the former president had temporarily moved to a house rented by one of his friends, Abdi Karie Qoorqoor, the president of the Galmudug region.
Thus, the idea emerged to build him a permanent residence in Mogadishu—the very city where he grew up, studied, and rose to become both a prime minister and a president. The “Thank You” campaign was officially set in motion, and it has been in full swing ever since.
A Movement Gains Momentum
The campaign immediately gained momentum right after the imam confirmed that the former president had accepted the people’s wish to recognize his legacy. In the first two days, Somalis from all walks of life—both from the diaspora and local residents—contributed and reportedly raised nearly $150,000. The fundraising is still underway and is expected to conclude on July 2.
Sheikh Hersy stated that he was literally overwhelmed with solicitations to contribute from every corner of this planet. The campaign has since been coordinated by former Farmajo communications director Abdirashid M. Hashi and a team of volunteers he leads.
Overcoming Logistics to Accommodate Donors
To facilitate this tsunami of generosity, some local bank accounts were hastily opened to allow people to transfer money from abroad and within Somalia. Various secure transfer methods were later added to accommodate the growing number of donors. Every region and every worker—especially the soldiers who did not miss a single salary during Farmajo’s presidency—wanted to be part of this historic expression of gratitude.
While we could not reach the campaigners for comment, the campaign appears to be close to reaching its goal of $300,000. Its outcome has surprised everyone, including those who initiated it.
The Opposition’s Strange Reaction
Taken aback by the success of President Farmajo’s thank you campaign, the former opposition and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud’s supporters were strangely offended by this patriotic outburst. Their discomfort only underscores the genuine nature of the people’s movement—a movement born of love, not politics.
The Reason Behind the People’s Generosity
The Somali people saw in Farmajo a man who personified their expectations for good governance, leadership free from corruption and nepotism, and a leader who genuinely cares about his country and its people. He is the only known Somali president who has not used his position to enrich himself by embezzling state assets or auctioning off the country’s natural resources.
Relying on like-minded and professional ministers and senior civil servants, he established financial discipline to stem endemic corruption, give soldiers and civil servants a decent salary on time, and set Somalia on the path to becoming a debt-free country.
Enemies Within and Abroad
However, the culture of transparency he instilled in his administration and the deterrence of corrupt practices made him many enemies. Belligerent Prime Minister Mohamed Roble took advantage of the electoral deadlock to embezzle public assets, escaping a dishonorable suspension only because of U.S. interference.
Despite these challenges, President Farmajo made the Somali nation proud by restoring landmark buildings destroyed by civil war, revamping and expanding the security system, and improving public services. He also worked tirelessly to liberate Somalia from foreign interference and invasive U.N. control, defend Somali waters illegally claimed by Kenya, and repatriate young Somalis trapped in the migration nightmare.
An Example for the World
He was defeated in what many believe was a “soft coup” orchestrated by the United States, European nations, and some regional enemies who disliked his nationalist agenda. The Somali nation, feeling violated and robbed of its freedom to choose its leader, found an original way to assert its free will.
They decided to vote with their hearts and their hard-earned money, providing a decent retirement for a leader they valued for his unquestionable integrity and patriotism.
Sending a Strong Message
By supporting him, they also aim to send a powerful message to all those corrupt legislators who shame the nation and the Somali presidency: the sovereign people are not fooled, and they reward good leadership. Already, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and his friends—who typically look down on their own people and seek charity from foreign nations and NGOs—are beginning to realize that their own people are a source of wealth.
A Rare Example of Integrity
In a nutshell, President Farmajo’s integrity is an oddity in a country plagued by endemic corruption. Yet, through this campaign, the Somali nation itself has set a good example for Africa and the world by showing rare ingenuity and proving that gratitude knows no boundaries.
