A Surprising Journey… During my recent trip to Somalia, I encountered something unexpected. Everyone I met, upon hearing I came from the Netherlands (or as they call it, Holland), would immediately ask:

"Are you from Breda?”

When I replied that I live in Amsterdam — the economic capital of the Netherlands — they seemed almost unimpressed. Most Somalis don’t know the Netherlands by its official name, but they all know Holland. More surprisingly, they don’t ask about Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague — they ask about Breda. But why?

One Man, One Name: Dahir Alasow

The name behind Breda’s fame in Somalia is none other than Dahir Alasow, a well-known Somali investigative journalist who hails from a respected royal family lineage. Once revered for his explosive media investigations, he has since evolved into a humanitarian figure admired by millions.

Who is Dahir Alasow?
Founder of Waagacusub Media, a bold and independent news platform, Dahir Alasow has exposed corruption, human trafficking, and injustice. But what truly set him apart in recent years was the creation of SOM CIVIL COURT, a unique civil court-style online program that provides support, judgment, and justice to Somalis around the world — and has become one of the most-watched Somali shows online.

Incredible examples of his work include:

• A pregnant woman jailed in Guriceel over a $70,000 debt — he raised the full amount within an hour to secure her release.
• People missing for 30 years — he conducted investigations and reunited families, locating Somalis in prisons across Africa and the Middle East, and homeless youth in Europe, North America, and Australia.
• Human traffickers and smugglers — he tracked down those responsible, exposed their bank accounts, victims, and crimes.
• Victims of murder abroad and inside Somalia — he uncovered cases where families had no information about their loved ones' fate.
• A show titled "Pay Before the 26th” — created to pressure Somali men living abroad who neglect their wives and children in Africa.
• Massive humanitarian work in Somalia — including the digging of 37 water wells, building 5 orphan centers, shelters for displaced families, and Quranic schools.

More Than a Journalist
Dahir Alasow is more than just a media figure. He’s the voice of the voiceless, the hand that helps the needy, and the eyes for those in darkness. His reach spans politicians, diaspora, and local communities. Many admire him — some fear him — but all respect his influence.

Why is Breda More Famous Than Amsterdam?
To the average Dutch citizen, Breda may just be a small city. But to Somalis — from Mogadishu to Hargeisa, from Nairobi to Minneapolis — Breda means Dahir Alasow. His name has made the city a landmark in the hearts of Somalis worldwide.

Conclusion
Next time you visit Somalia and someone asks, "Are you from Breda?” — don’t be surprised. The reason is clear: Dahir Alasow, the man who turned a small Dutch city into a legendary symbol of Somali resilience, justice, and compassion.

Written by: Hussein Abdilaahi

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