Wednesday May 14, 2014
London (HOL) - The Somali community in Europe have begun a fundraising campaign fund the reconstruction of the Somali embassy in Belgium. Hiiraan Online spoke with a key figure in the fundraising drive and community leader Dahir Ali Kulmie.
Mr. Kulmie, who is well known in the Somali sporting community in the UK, is one of the proprietors of the idea to rebuild Somalia’s diplomatic compounds across Europe.
“In the first phase of our program, we are intending to rebuild the Somali embassy compound in Belgium; which is the diplomatic gateway to Europe. The embassy is also responsible for the continuation of diplomatic ties with the EU” Mr. Dahir Ali Kulmie noted during an HOL interview.
“Our first fund-raising meeting was held here in London over the weekend and it went on successfully—we have raised some money, but our fund-raising campaign will not end there” said Mr Dahir Ali Kulmie thanking all those who attended the meeting.
He praised his colleagues who have been playing a key role in the campaign to reconstruction efforts.
“Somali community members in Netherlands and Sweden are also praiseworthy for embracing the idea to reconstruct the diplomatic site—we will continue our endeavours until we have confirmed the successful completion of our ambitions” Mr. Kulmie noted.
Next step to be taken
Mr. Dahir Ali Kulmie said that after the successful fundraising program over the weekend, the next step will be the start of the physical reconstruction of Somali embassy in Belgium.
“At least we have something today and we are planning to start the reconstruction in as soon as possible—I cannot exactly say when, but I will consult with other colleagues and we will decide the date to commence the rebuilding process” Mr. Kulmie explained.
He urged the Somalis living in other European countries to join the campaign saying he believes that if all Somalis across Europe join hands they will be able to rebuild and decorate all Somali-owned diplomatic compounds in the continent.
HOL English News Desk
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