Somali PM congratulates Sagal Abdi-Wali on historic UK Parliament win

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre congratulated Sagal Abdi-Wali on becoming the first British Somali woman elected to the UK Parliament after her victory in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.

In a phone call Sunday, Hamza said Somalia’s government, leadership and people were pleased by Abdi-Wali’s success, describing it as a historic achievement that reflected the ability and dedication of Somalis in the diaspora.

Hamza said Abdi-Wali’s success was a positive example of members of the Somali diaspora reaching senior positions through hard work and talent.

He urged her to carry out her duties effectively and serve the community that elected her to represent them in the UK Parliament.

The prime minister also encouraged her to contribute to efforts to strengthen cooperation between Somalia and the United Kingdom.

Abdi-Wali, 42, won Thursday’s Holborn and St Pancras by-election, becoming the first British Somali woman elected as an MP.

She came to the UK from Somalia as a child refugee with her family in the 1990s, grew up in Camden and later worked for Camden Council as a housing officer.

She was elected as a councillor in 2022 and became leader of Camden Council in May.

Labour highlighted her local roots during the campaign.

Speaking after her victory, Abdi-Wali pledged to work to improve the lives of families and said homelessness was the issue that drove her into politics.

According to Labour, Abdi-Wali has worked for more than a decade as a volunteer and trustee for local charities. She has also served as a school governor at two schools and worked as a local government officer at the council.

Before becoming council leader, she served as cabinet member for better homes.