Meet Mohamed Osman, our Honorary Consul in Mogadishu

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Somalia has a new Honorary Consul. What does an Honorary Consul do? And why has Mohamed 'Midnimo' Osman taken on this role?  Find out more about his role and background in this blog-interview. 

Could you tell us a bit more about your background and what motivated you to take on the role of Honorary Consul? 

My name is Mohamed Bashir Osman. I am a professional graphic designer who founded Daauus, the first creative advertising agency in Somalia, since the civil war.

When I decided to move back to my birth city, Mogadishu, in 2016, I found myself sipping tea every afternoon with fellow Dutch Somali's, with a similar entrepreneurial appetite. This shared experience led us to connect and collaborate,  which eventually led to the establishment of Guriga Oranje (Orange House) in Mogadishu. The Orange House serves as a cultural and business hub,  linking Somalia and the Netherlands through its diaspora. Guriga Oranje has allowed me to interact with a wide range of stakeholders in Somalia. Since then, I began assisting the Netherland's embassy, government, and citizens with all Somalia-related matters. This experience eventually led to my appointment as the Honorary Consul.

What are the primary tasks and responsibilities you have as Honorary Consul?

As an Honorary Consul, my primary responsibilities involve carrying out tasks as requested by the Embassy in Nairobi. However, in practice, the Honorary Consul goes above and beyond the usual requirements; in other words, I am the Dutch government's representative in Somalia, keeping everyone informed and aware of the situation in the country.

The following represents the two primary components of my work:
  1. Supporting Dutch Citizens: I assist Dutch nationals in Somalia with various consular services. For instance, in the case when Dutch nationals are in need,  I work closely with the Embassy to  provide guidance and support the overall process. I also assist in emergencies such as hospitalizations, missing persons, deaths, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
  2. Promoting Trade: When requested by the Embassy or the government, the Honorary Consul represents Dutch trade interests by facilitating visits and opening doors for the business community to access unique opportunities.

I maintain close ties with the Dutch community in Somalia and keep them informed about the policy of the government and the opportunities for the diaspora

What are your main goals and vision for your tenure as Honorary Consul? 

As the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands to Somalia, my primary goal is to strengthen the ties between the Netherlands and Somalia, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. My vision is to enhance educational and professional opportunities for Somali youth. 

One project I am particularly excited about is connecting and bringing together Somali alumni's of Dutch universities. Earlier this year, I set up an online community for this purpose, and it has been inspiring to see these talented individuals who benefited from their education in the Netherlands share their knowledge and experiences to help drive progress in Somalia.



 

What do you enjoy most about your role? 

What I enjoy most about my role as the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands to Somalia is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives by bridging two cultures and fostering meaningful connections. It's great to see the impact of our efforts on the ground, whether it's through educational initiatives, business partnerships, or cultural exchanges. This sense of connection and engagement is what drives me in my role.

One particularly memorable experience was meeting with His Majesty King Willem-Alexander at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. I was impressed by his sincere interest in the circumstances under which we work in Somalia, the significance of our work, and the potential for substantial positive change.

With support of the Embassy and the Dutch community in Somalia, Mohamed aims to host regular networking events and meet-ups, facilitate cultural and educational exchanges and offer advice to Dutch businesses that are eager to learn more about business in Somalia. Please find more information on how to be in touch with the Honorary Consul here.