I am planning to become 100% Danish. I would like to work here, to contribute to the society, and to stay here with my family. And even to be active in the Social Democratic Party. The parliamentary system here is a huge inspiration. But right now my thoughts are negative, because I am not sure if I can stay in Denmark. I am one of the 1200 Somalis whose residence permit has been withdrawn, and I risk being deported to Somalia, where I cannot get my heart medication, and where my life will be in danger.
It is unique to come from a place of unrest and war to a place like Roskilde. From a country without a government to a place with a city council and local democracy. Even if the authorities do not hand back my residence permit, I would like to become a politician
When the war began, I studied economics, but I had to flee across the border to neighbouring Uganda, where I resumed my studies. But when I went to visit my parents and siblings in Somalia, I was captured by Al Shabab. I succeeded in fleeing in 2013, when I was 45.
Now I have done my Bachelor’s Degree, and I am now working on my Master’s Degree. I have started again to wake up in the middle of the night after nightmares about the things I have experienced. People being tortured. The time I spent in prison haunts me yet again, just as it did when I first arrived here and my wife and son were still in Somalia. I have watched women and old people being executed in order to intimidate people into cooperation.
I am very religious. If I don’t stick to it, I will be lost. I have no regrets about becoming a refugee. I believe one’s destiny has already been written down before you are born. I have no idea what is going to happen tomorrow or in ten years’ time. People plan, but they don’t know. My philosophy is “Man proposes, but God disposes”.
50 years old / male / married / children / International Public Administration and Policy / Roskilde / from Somalia / came to Denmark in 2014 / residence permit in 2014