Italy defends suspension of visa issuance in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Italy has viciously defended the decision to halt the issuance of visas in Somalia, blaming the stalemate on 'administrative' issues that are being addressed by authorities to restore normalcy.

Pier Mario Dacco Coppi, Italy's ambassador to Somalia, denied claims that the decision was taken due to current political terrains in the country, which has seen Somalia forge alliances with other nations over sovereignty threats from Ethiopia.

According to the envoy, the Italian government is working to untangle the mess, promising a swift resolution to the ongoing disruption. The envoy said the decision had nothing to do with the political landscape in the country.

"This is a temporary administrative pause—nothing more. There is no political angle here," the ambassador said, firmly batting away the notion that Italy might be following a broader geopolitical agenda. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the situation and will resolve it as soon as possible."

Last month, the Italian embassy in Mogadishu confirmed the suspension of the issuance of visas. However, there was no immediate reason was given, leaving hundreds of applicants in limbo, a move that has been widely criticized.

Although Italy maintains the decision is purely technical, it coincides with an ongoing clampdown by the European Union (EU) on Somali passport holders. EU had recommended tightening regulations on the issuance of visas to Somali passport holders..

Daccò Coppi was careful not to explicitly link Italy's decision to the EU's stance, but the connection is difficult to ignore. With migration issues dominating European politics, Italy's visa freeze may be part of a larger, unspoken strategy.

"We are here to help Somalia progress," he said. "Italy has always been invested in Somalia's future, and that won't change because of temporary administrative hiccups," Coppi said while assuring Somalia's commitment to support development.

"We want to focus on Somalia's growth. Politics? We leave that to Somali leaders and their government," he added, distancing Italy from any perception of interference. Somalia was a colony of Italy before independence in 1960.

The ambassador, who insisted on Rome's non-interference foreign policy, said he will be visiting Jubaland and Puntland states soon to reaffirm the commitment of his country to supporting development and stability in Somalia.

"Our commitment spans the entire country," he said, hinting at future collaborations that extend beyond diplomatic formalities.

On escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, Daccò Coppi didn't mince words. The ambassador described the strained relationship as a missed opportunity for regional cooperation.

"It's unfortunate that this situation escalated. Both Somalia and Ethiopia share deep historical ties, and diplomacy should have prevailed," he said. "Ethiopia has the right to access the sea for trade, and Somalia has every right to maintain control over its coastline. This should have been resolved through diplomatic channels, not in the way it has unfolded."

GAROWE ONLINE