By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — Ethiopian American diaspora leaders met with U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs at her San Diego district office to discuss urgent political, humanitarian, and human rights concerns across Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
Veteran community advocate Abdi Mohamoud—also known as Mohamed Sheik Ahmed—led the delegation. He has engaged U.S. policymakers and international civil society on East African human rights and governance issues for over two decades.
Addressing Fragility and Human Rights Concerns
During the meeting, the delegation raised deteriorating governance conditions in the Somali Region and warned of potential security escalations across multiple regions involving federal forces, regional actors, and armed groups.
Key priority areas presented to Congresswoman Jacobs included:
- Sustained Diplomatic Engagement: Encouraging active U.S. diplomatic efforts to support peaceful political dialogue and prevent regional conflict spillover.
- Protection of Civilians: Prioritizing civilian security, humanitarian access, and institutional accountability across affected regional states.
- Human Rights Advocacy: Addressing long-standing governance gaps, arbitrary detentions, and civil liberties concerns in the Somali Region and broader Horn of Africa.
“Sustained U.S. diplomatic engagement and inclusive political dialogue remain essential to prevent further instability and protect civilian lives across Ethiopia,” the delegation stated during the discussions.
Since 2000, Mohamoud and his affiliate organizations have maintained continuous dialogue with officials at the U.S. Department of State, bipartisan members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and international human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.
Congresswoman Jacobs, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Africa, offers a key legislative platform for Horn of Africa policy oversight.
Following the November 2026 U.S. midterm elections, Congresswoman Jacobs is slated to host a follow-up roundtable with Ethiopian American diaspora representatives at her Capitol Hill office in Washington, D.C.
In the coming weeks, the diaspora delegation plans to carry out a series of high-level meetings in Washington with congressional offices, State Department officials, policy think tanks, and human rights watchdogs to advance constructive avenues toward long-term peace, democratic governance, and stability in Ethiopia.
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The efficiency of my Somali brothers and sisters in getting their issues to the ears of elected officials is admirable. Meanwhile this news report mentions one of the three only and somehow the names of our sisters are omitted. Now the question of ‘Ogadenia’ is at the doorstep of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on Africa. This is how you do it. Brother Abdi Mohamoud set out to accomplish a plan and succeeded. How can’t you admire that? Forget about AU or EU. You go for the top enchilada. That what he went after and succeeded surrounded by a convoy of two women. Right on, brother! Right on!!!
It is also an Election Year where every vote counts.
The next step in order would be organize a rally for Ogadenia and invite legislators as special honorary guest speakers. Good job brothers and sisters!!!