Hon. Mohamed Abdi Farah Urges Somalis Worldwide to Respond with Patience and Dignity as He Highlights Difference Between Refugees and Referees.
GARISSA, Kenya – Dadaab Ward Member of County Assembly Hon. Mohamed Abdi Farah (Aboo) has called for calm, patience and dignity among Somalis worldwide following the controversy surrounding Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, whose World Cup dreams were disrupted after he was reportedly denied entry into the United States.
In a statement addressing the Somali community globally, Hon. Aboo urged Somalis to approach the situation with understanding and restraint, while expressing hope that the matter could have resulted from a misunderstanding.
The MCA, known for his unique style of political commentary, made a light-hearted but pointed remark while referring to the controversy involving the Somali referee and the U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Perhaps he simply failed to differentiate between a refugee and a referee. One seeks protection and safety, while the other blows the whistle and keeps the game in order,” Hon. Aboo remarked.
His comments came after widespread reactions among Somali communities following the reported denial of entry that prevented Omar Artan from taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being selected among the tournament’s match officials.
A Call for Patience, Unity and Dialogue
Hon. Aboo appealed to Somalis around the world to maintain composure and continue engaging with the international community through dialogue, mutual respect and understanding.
He noted that Somalis have historically demonstrated resilience in overcoming challenges and should continue promoting peaceful engagement even during difficult moments.
“Somalis have always shown patience and resilience in the face of challenges. We must continue to respond with dignity, wisdom and unity,” he said.
The Dadaab legislator emphasized that international relations require mutual understanding and that misunderstandings should be addressed through constructive engagement rather than division.
Standing With Omar Artan’s International Journey
Hon. Aboo praised Omar Artan’s achievements, describing him as a symbol of Somali excellence and determination on the global football stage.
Artan, who has been on the FIFA international referees list since 2018, has earned recognition as one of Africa’s leading match officials. He was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year 2025 and has officiated major continental matches, including the CAF Champions League final.
Despite missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup opportunity, Artan was later appointed by UEFA to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria.
The appointment has been celebrated by many Somalis as a significant achievement and recognition of African talent in international football.
Message of Hope and Humanity
Hon. Aboo further called for a world where individuals seeking safety, opportunity and recognition are treated with fairness, compassion and dignity.
He said the Omar Artan case should serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding people’s backgrounds and circumstances.
The MCA concluded his message by wishing peace, unity and prosperity for all communities around the world.
“May peace, unity and prosperity prevail for all.”
The statement by the Dadaab legislator has generated discussions among Somali communities, with many praising his call for calm while celebrating Omar Artan’s continued rise as a global football referee.
