MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has called in Denmark’s Ambassador to Somalia, Steen Sonne Andersen, following comments he made about Somaliland’s presidential election. The remarks have sparked public outcry and calls for the ambassador to be declared persona non grata.
Minister Moalim confirmed that Ambassador Andersen is scheduled to meet with him on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM to discuss the comments he made about Somalia’s sovereignty during his visit to Hargeisa, the capital of the breakaway region.
“It’s unfortunate that some ambassadors make remarks that undermine their host country, calling themselves representatives of a separate state,” Moalim said. “We summoned Ambassador Andersen after he made such comments, and he is due to meet with us.”
Moalim also accused other diplomats who visited Somaliland of failing to clearly state the countries they represented, which he said was a mistake.
“The Somali government has made its position clear on the elections. Somalia is one country, and we will not accept any ambassador treating Somaliland as a separate state. We will not tolerate any diplomat hiding the country they represent,” he added.
Despite his comments going viral, hundreds of Somalis took to social media to condemn what they saw as a violation of the country’s sovereignty. Some even suggested that foreign diplomats in Mogadishu should be barred from traveling anywhere near Somaliland.
Many others have called for the Danish ambassador to be expelled, saying it would send a strong message to any diplomat who steps out of line in Somalia.
This comes just a month after Somalia expelled Ethiopian diplomat Ali Mohamed Aden, accusing him of acting outside his role. Aden, a colonel in Ethiopia’s military intelligence, was given 72 hours to leave the country. Ethiopia has yet to respond.
