Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota and a refugee from Somalia, faced criticism after posting a Juneteenth message on social media that highlighted the end of slavery in the United States.
The post, which was later deleted, drew attention to the ongoing issue of slavery in her native Somalia. Omar's original message stated, 160 years ago on June 19, 1865, slavery ended in this country. Today, we celebrate Black freedom, resilience, and achievement, and continue the work to root out systematic racism from our policies and institutions.
As reported by Gateway Pundit, the post was met with backlash, notably from a MAGA supporter, Gunther Eagleman, who pointed out, Somalia still has slaves. Ilhan should go fight to free her own people. Shortly after this comment, Eagleman noted that Omar had removed her post.
Despite the deletion, another Juneteenth message from Omar remains online, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for justice and the celebration of Black freedom and resilience.
The issue of modern slavery in Somalia is underscored by a 2024 State Department report on human trafficking, which highlights the vulnerability of internally displaced persons, minority groups, and children in al-Shabaab-controlled areas to sex trafficking and forced labor.
The report details how some Somali children are exploited in various forms of forced labor, including agriculture, domestic work, and construction. Additionally, a 2023 report by Walk Free estimates that nearly 100,000 individuals are enslaved in Somalia.
This situation raises questions about the global fight against slavery and the responsibilities of public figures like Omar, who are in positions to influence change both domestically and internationally. The persistence of such practices in Somalia calls for a concerted effort to address human rights abuses and promote freedom for all.
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