After fleeing the Somali civil war in the early 1990s and spending a decade or more in Kenya refugee camps, we were resettled by the U.S. government in 2001. In Somalia, we faced extreme persecution, forcing us to escape to Kenya in search for security and protection. In conjunction with the U.S. plan to resettle the Somali Bantu, the initial wave of Somali Bantu settlers reached Phoenix in around 2003. Upon arrival, they immediately encountered major obstacles, such as a severe language barrier and difficulties navigating U.S. school and government systems.

Furthermore, adjusting to a new urban environment proved challenging, as the lack of an established community made it difficult for preliterate individuals to smoothly integrate and contribute to American society. In 2009, a group of dedicated individuals came together to address the needs of the Somali Bantu community, resulting in the creation of the Somali Bantu United Association of Greater Phoenix. Ever since, this organization has acted as the chief advocate for Somali Bantu refugees throughout Arizona, delivering customized services and support programs. 

The Somali Bantu United Association of Greater Phoenix is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to facilitating the smooth integration of Somali Bantu refugees into Arizona society.

Our organization is composed of dedicated individuals focused on delivering superior results. We utilize innovative and reliable strategies to maintain the highest standards and consistently go above and beyond our goals.

In 2026, the Somali Bantu community in the U.S. faces a combination of long-standing systemic barriers and immediate legal crises. While earlier settlers primarily struggled with basic resettlement, current challenges have shifted toward legal status, generational shifts, and social integration.