Maine Rep Tells Mainers to Spend “Time, Money, Skills” on Somalia: “Our Country”
Posted For: Geist von Panzer
PORTLAND, Maine — Maine state Rep. Deqa Dhalac is drawing scrutiny after urging Somali-Americans in Maine to devote “our time, our money, our skills” to Somalia while publicly promoting the overseas political campaign of Abdullahi Ali, a former colleague at Gateway Community Services. The comments come as the nonprofit faces state action, congressional oversight, and a recent visit from Homeland Security to its Lewiston office.
In an online post backing Ali’s campaign in Somalia’s Jubbaland region, Dhalac encouraged supporters to rally behind what she repeatedly called “our brother Dr. Abdullahi Ali,” emphasizing support not only abroad but from Maine as well. Addressing a gathering, she said, “We are all here tonight to support our brother Dr. Abdullahi Ali not only in Jubbaland tonight, but everyone here in Maine is also standing with Jubbaland tonight, right?”
Dhalac went on to urge the community to direct resources toward Somalia, referring to it repeatedly as “our country.” She encouraged increased travel between the U.S. and Somalia and called on some members of the community to return there to help with development efforts, including education and confidence-building initiatives.
She concluded with a call for organized political support around Ali’s candidacy, writing that supporters should promote his campaign, organize around him, and show people in Somalia that he has backing from the diaspora in Maine.
Dhalac’s remarks have raised questions because they were made by a sitting Maine state representative, an elected official tasked with representing constituents in Maine, while encouraging residents to redirect financial and professional resources overseas and, in some cases, leave the country.
Dhalac previously worked alongside Ali at Gateway Community Services. Both are currently under investigation by the U.S. House Oversight Committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer (R-KY). In a separate video, Ali discussed potential military action in the Jubba region, referencing armed groups and civilians and describing their readiness if an attack were to be launched. He has also made statements about using funds to support his political campaign, according to information cited by investigators.
These developments come as Gateway Community Services has shut down its offices and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services has halted funding to the organization. Homeland Security officials recently visited the nonprofit’s Lewiston office, where they were observed serving a warrant. After months without public comment, Governor Janet Mills said Tuesday evening that she supports a “full investigation” into the matter.
CLICK ON THE ORIGINAL SOURCE BELOW TO WATCH THE VIDEOS
About Post Author
