Ilhan Omar’s Somalia Comments Ignite Fierce Backlash and Heated Debate

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, representing Minnesota, has been embroiled in another controversy following her remarks about Somalia.

A video of Omar speaking at a Minneapolis hotel, addressing issues related to Somaliland and its dealings with Ethiopia, has sparked widespread debate and criticism, particularly among conservative circles.

The Viral Video and Its Backlash

The video of Ilhan Omar, which was shared on social media platforms, contains a translation of the congresswoman’s speech.

The translation of her speech given in Somalian language reportedly includes Omar stating her role in Congress is to represent Somali Americans’ interests and that the “US will do what we want and nothing else.”

As per reports, Omar referenced territories Somalia claims in neighboring Kenya and Ethiopia.

Further, Ilhan Omar reportedly also told the crowd of Somalians that she is Somalian first, Muslim second. However, there was reportedly no mention of America, of which she’s a citizen and lawmaker.

The statement by Omar has led to significant backlash from conservative figures.

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Political Reactions to Ilhan Omar’s Speech

Prominent conservative politicians and commentators have voiced their criticism of Omar’s comments.

Representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene, known for her critical stance against Ilhan Omar, accused her of using her position to protect Somalia’s interests over America’s.

“She flaunts using her position as congresswoman to protect Somalia’s border while our border is invaded by MILLIONS of illegals who are a danger to America,” Greene said.

“These people hate America and they’re so emboldened by the Democrats’ disdain for our country, they’re not even trying to hide it anymore,” she added.

Former Republican Virginia Representative Denver Riggleman referred to Omar as a “disgraceful representative” in response to the video.

Omar’s Clarification and Response

In response to the controversy, Ilhan Omar replied to a comment on the clip, stating, “This interpretation is slanted”.

Omar said she is representing the interests of Somalis in the United States, which is a legitimate task, as a Congresswoman in any democratic system.

She further emphasized that her comments were misinterpreted and expressed her solidarity with Somalis in Somalia and the diaspora.

Somaliland Controversy

The controversy revolves around Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.

Somaliland, officially the Republic of Somaliland, says it is an independent state but is not recognized internationally.

This agreement involves leasing part of Somaliland’s coastland to Ethiopia.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed concerns about Ethiopian assets crossing into alleged Somalia’s territory, indicating potential geopolitical tensions.

In response to Omar’s comments, Somaliland’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Rhoda J Elmi, said the territory’s authority was “profoundly surprised, even shocked” on discovering Omar’s comments.

“The language she employed was regrettably unbecoming of both the office she holds and the constituents she represents,” Elmi wrote on X.

Ilhan Omar’s Past Controversies

Representative Ilhan Omar has been involved in multiple controversies in the past, often related to her statements on foreign policy and her criticisms of Israel.

Comments on AIPAC and Israel: In a tweet that sparked significant backlash, Omar suggested that US lawmakers’ support for Israel was motivated by money from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

She wrote, “It’s all about the Benjamins baby,” and when asked to clarify where the money was coming from, she replied, “AIPAC.”

This led to accusations of anti-Semitism, as it was seen as invoking a stereotype about Jewish people and money. Following widespread condemnation, including from members of her own party, Omar apologized for these tweets.

“Israel has hypnotized the world”: In a 2012 tweet, Omar said, “Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel.”

This statement, which she later apologized for, was criticised for using language that echoed anti-Semitic tropes.

Comments on 9/11: Omar faced criticism for her remarks about the 9/11 attacks. In a speech, she referred to the attacks by saying, “some people did something,” which was seen by some as a way of diminishing the severity and impact of the terrorist attacks.

This led to significant backlash, with critics arguing that Ilhan Omar’s phrasing was dismissive of the tragedy.

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