Fargo Human Rights Commission Chair Sekou Sirleaf addresses the media during a press conference Tuesday, December 30.
FARGO (KFGO) — As President Donald Trump and others increasingly attack Somalis immigrants in the U.S in the wake of ongoing fraud scandals in Minnesota, the Fargo Human Rights commission chair is openly criticizing the city’s leadership. At a press conference Tuesday, he said elected officials are not supporting Somalis in the community.
“Fargo needs leadership, not cowards,” Sekou Sirleaf said. “The City of Fargo refused to stand with their Somali residents. The City of Fargo leadership refused to always stand with their black residents. It is wrong.”
Sirleaf says his criticism is based on Mayor Mahoney and city commissioners refusing to openly support Somalis in the area. Sirleaf said he invited Mahoney, as well as Mayor Bernie Dardis from West Fargo, Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson, and Dilworth Mayor Chad Olson, but they did not come.
Instead, Mahoney issued a statement which said, in part, “Fargo’s Somali community is a valued part of the Fargo-Moorhead area, and our Somali residents contribute immensely to our region. My support for the Somali community and for all immigrant and refugee residents is unwavering.”
Sirleaf said he asked Mahoney to sign a proclamation in support of Somalis in Fargo. Mahoney said this was not possible.
“Mayoral proclamations are generally reserved for recognizing celebrations, honors, organizations’ events or special actions, extraordinary achievements, or public awareness campaigns,” Mahoney said in his statement. “This request did not fall within the guidelines. I’m simply following the City’s established governance procedures.”
Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski issued his own statement.
“The Fargo Police Department serves everyone in our community, including our Somali neighbors,” Zibolski said in his statement. “Our officers remain focused on protecting the entire city through fair, professional policing while ensuring that every resident is treated with dignity and respect.”
Sirleaf said Somalis who commit crimes should be prosecuted like anyone else, but the actions of a few bad actors should not characterize the entire community.
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