Somali government faces scrutiny over diplomatic appointments

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Sunday October 20, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government is facing criticism over the recent appointment of 17 diplomats, with only one having prior experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Service Act mandates that diplomats must have worked at the Somali Foreign Ministry for at least two years before taking up foreign postings.

This week, the Upper House Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs questioned Ministry leaders regarding the procedures used in appointing new diplomats and recent developments in the country's foreign policy.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi acknowledged the irregularities but defended the appointments. He stated that while the government's top leaders are significant in nominating diplomats, the Ministry is working to reform appointment procedures. Minister Fiqi also noted that plans are underway to send 20 young diplomats with the necessary qualifications and experience within the Ministry to overseas embassies.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry recently appointed directors to several departments and recruited advisors for Somalia's embassies in Turkey, the United States, Uganda, Kuwait, Syria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and Italy.

Despite the government's recent repatriation of 48 diplomats on March 20, 2024, Senator Marian Farah Kahiye, chair of the committee, raised concerns that none of these returning diplomats were considered for newly created positions.

Minister Fiqi noted that many recent appointments were politically motivated but assured tribal considerations did not influence them. He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to improving its practices and ensuring that future appointments align with the Foreign Service Act while managing the political realities of government roles.

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