‘We will make warlords and terrorism things of the past’ vows Jeremy Corbyn in address

Islington Gazette: (from left) Suada, Hani, Mustafa, Nura and Nasra enjoy the celebrations Pic: Marcus Tylor(from left) Suada, Hani, Mustafa, Nura and Nasra enjoy the celebrations Pic: Marcus Tylor (Image: Archant)

A bumper crowd turned out to wish a society for ex-pat Somalians a very happy 18th birthday.

The Islington Somalia-Banadir Association came of age on Thursday in front of about 100 people, including many local dignitaries, packed into the Old fire Station, in Mayton Street, Holloway.

Founded in 1997 by Sharif Abdalla Abubakar Sangaaf, the group acts as an anchor for Somalians living in London, many of whom fled their home country due to a bloody ongoing civil war.

Jeremy Corbyn. Parliamentary candidate for Islington north, said: “People in Islington come from all over the world.

“Our community lives and works together regardless of where they come from.

“We owe Abdalla a huge debt for the work he’s done.

“Abdalla, I call you my friend, I call you an activist in the community and a representative of the people and I love you for it.

He added: “Together we will realise that dream, and it is a dream, of long-lasting peace for people in all parts of Somalia, and make warlords and terrorism things of the past.”

Cllr Theresa Debono, Mayor of Islington, originally from Malta, said: “Abdalla has single-handedly started this society, because coming from a different country and trying to settle can be very difficult.

“I came here to go to university, but many of you have come here not for that, but because there was war in your country and you started a new life.

She added; “I wish the community well and hope you move forward and prosper.”

Cllr Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, told the audience about his son’s school friends, who come from all over the world but are united by their love of “running about”.

He said: “That’s one of the nice things about our community, people come together not because of their backgrounds, or where the come from, but their interests.

“A massive thank you to Somalian community for the you do for Islington.”