Saturday June 3, 2023
Minneapolis (HOL) - In a bold statement on Friday, Nasri Warsame, candidate for the Minneapolis City Council's Ward 10 seat, challenged his recent ban from the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party endorsement process. The controversial ban was instigated following a chaotic incident at the Ward 10 endorsement convention, where Warsame's supporters were accused of causing a disruption, leading to the intervention of the Minneapolis police.
The initial incident unfolded on May 13, when an altercation broke out at the convention, causing "chaos" to ensue. DFL co-sergeant at arms volunteer Quentin Wathum-Ocama stated that the altercation began when incumbent City Council Member Aisha Chughtai was due to take the stage but was usurped by supporters of challenger Nasri Warsame.
In his address, Warsame "condemned the incident in the strongest terms," issuing an apology to all those affected. However, he criticized the DFL endorsement process as biased and undemocratic and accused the DFL of mishandling the aftermath of the incident, blaming him without proper investigation.
Warsame highlighted his concerns regarding the lack of dialogue with him, his campaign, and representatives of the Somali community, a significant constituent of the DFL, before making the decision. The ban, he argues, ignored that his campaign manager, Abshir Omar, and a delegate were among the individuals hospitalized due to the melee.
The controversy has prompted new bylaw changes within the DFL party, allowing for the expulsion of individuals involved in violence or threats at party events. Despite the allegations against him, Warsame remains committed to running for City Council, confident of emerging victorious in November's elections. He criticizes DFL Party Chair Ken Martin for using derogatory remarks about him and the Somali community, allegations Martin denies.
The event has stirred division within Minneapolis' Somali community, with some criticizing Warsame for past criticism of the former Somali president, while others remain dedicated to his campaign. Critics of the DFL decision, such as former state director of the DFL, Osman Ahmed, accused the party of exhibiting a double standard in handling misconduct. Others, including Jamal Abdulahi, founder of the DFL's Somali-American Caucus, dispute allegations that Warsame and his campaign misled voters, calling these claims unfounded.
The aftermath of the incident and ensuing decisions have highlighted tensions within the DFL and the broader political landscape of Minneapolis, prompting debates about the party's values, practices, and relationship with the Somali community. Meanwhile, the city and its residents prepare for a challenging and contentious election season.