Somali Leaders Look To Strengthen Community, Stop Terror Recruiting

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Local Somali leaders met in Minneapolis Saturday evening, saying they have to find a way together to strengthen their community and stop terror recruiting.

They talked about ways to deal with anti-Somali sentiments and how to prevent others from leaving the Twin Cities to fight overseas.

"The safety and security of this country is very important to Somali-Americans," said Sadik Warfa, Deputy Director of the group Global Somali. "What we're starting here tonight is an internal dialogue to find a lasting solution."

Warfa said youth unemployment and education remain top concerns, and that by addressing those issues, some other problems will be helped.

No solutions were expected in Saturday's meeting, but this will be the start of an ongoing discussion.