Somali president renounces US citizenship

By Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has renounced his U.S. citizenship, although Somali constitution allows president to have dual citizenship, an official statement said.

“This is to officially announce that the President of the Republic of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has relinquished his United States citizenship,” said the statement issued by the office of the president.

Somalia’s provisional constitution allows the president for dual citizenship, however, the president however voluntarily filed for the renunciation, it added.

“I am proud to serve my people and always believe in their potential to rebuild this nation. I am neither discouraged by our past, nor daunted by the enormity of the task ahead. I will continue serving my people honestly with the firm belief that real power rests with the people,” Mohamed said in a Twitter message.

Mohamed, who was elected Somali president in February 2017, has lived, received education and worked in the United States before he was appointed prime minister in 2010.