Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Wednesday, February 7 met with Hamse Warfa, a Somali – American advisor in President Joe Biden’s Administration.
Duale who is in the U.S, was elated to meet Warfa, after holding talks with the U.S Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III at the Pentagon.
“Great meeting my brother and friend Hamse Warfe, Senior Advisor for Democracy & Human Rights at the U.S. State Department.
Warfa is among the most acclaimed Somali-American global thought leaders, policy and political advisor, and an inspiration to emerging leaders in the Horn of Africa, said Duale.
Warfa’s journey, from being a Somali refugee to becoming the highest-ranking Somali American official in the executive branch, reflects an extraordinary path.
Hamse was invited by the White House to join the Biden administration in 2022, where he plays a crucial role in the State Department, focusing on Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.
His responsibilities include developing strategies for safeguarding democracy and aiding displaced people through the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.
How Hamse Moved to the U.S
Hamse first went to the United States as a Somali refugee when he was a teenager in 1994.
His family left Somalia after the country’s civil war started in 1991 and lived in various refugee camps across Kenya.
After arriving in the U.S., Warfa earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from San Diego State University and a master’s in organizational management and leadership from Springfield College.
Start of his career as a Somali civil rights activist
He moved to Minnesota in 2012, where he was recruited by the state’s largest philanthropic foundation, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, and later appointed deputy commissioner by the Minnesota governor’s office.
His relocation to Minnesota marked the beginning of his engagement with civic matters.
Hamse stated during an interview that the 2016 election season was what inspired him to become more active in civic engagement.
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“The strong anti-immigrant, and anti-Muslim policy and actions, motivated me to organize and get more involved at the state level,” he said.
“Some of the Minnesota gubernatorial candidates talked about shutting down the refugee program, and in some cases, created fear about refugees in Minnesota, especially about Minnesota’s Muslim, Somali community.”
Warfa achievements
Warfa’s advocacy spans beyond government roles; he also co-founded BanQu, Inc., a blockchain service created to broaden economic opportunities for low-income people across the globe.
His achievements include receiving a 2016 Bush Fellowship, which is granted to help develop leadership skills, and an Ashoka Fellowship for social entrepreneurs.
Warfa is also the author of “America Here I Come: A Somali Refugee’s Quest for Hope.”
During his time in Minnesota government, Warfa successfully advocated for the largest job bill in state history, supplying workforce training to youth and adults.
As an economic adviser to the Biden campaign, he plays a crucial role, helping develop the administration’s plans to reverse the Muslim ban and increase refugee admission numbers.
Inclusive democracy
In an interview with ABC News, Warfa emphasized the importance of inclusive democracy and expressed his desire to contribute to expanding access for those affected by government policies.
“I want to bring my both lived and professional experiences to help the administration expand access to those affected by government policies and actions.”
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“I want to see America live through its ideals in building multiethnic and multiracial democracy that protects everyone,” he added.
“I hope people see in my example – from the refugee camp to representing America – hope for democracy and value of everyone’s voice and vote.”
Austin III hosted Duale at the Pentagon where they discussed a host of issues on the implementation of the Defense Cooperation Framework between the two countries.
“Secretary Austin thanked Cabinet Secretary Duale for Kenya’s role and contributions in regional and global security. Secretary Austin commented on the need to continue the fight against al-Shabab and the need for security and stability in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb. Both leaders agreed to continue working together to address shared regional challenges,” read part of a statement from Austin’s office.
