Diplomatic Dispute Arises Over Kenyan Ambassador's Trip to DR Congo

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A diplomatic dispute has surfaced following the visit of Kenya’s Ambassador to Somalia, Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle, to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Somalia’s Embassy in Tanzania issued a statement clarifying that the Federal Government of Somalia has designated the embassy as the official body responsible for representing Somali interests in the DRC.

The embassy emphasized that any official engagement involving Somalia’s representation in the DRC must go through its diplomatic mission in Tanzania.

According to the statement, Ambassador Jibril's visit — which reportedly involved a delegation of Kenyan and Somali businesspeople — was not coordinated with the Somali Embassy, nor was the embassy informed about the purpose or nature of the trip. The embassy asserted that this lack of communication constitutes a breach of diplomatic protocol and the procedures of the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his defense, Ambassador Jibril stated that the visit was aimed at strengthening commercial ties and supporting Somali entrepreneurs. He noted that meetings were held with Congolese officials and local business leaders to explore economic cooperation.

The disagreement underscores ongoing sensitivities over who holds the authority to represent Somalia’s diplomatic and economic interests in countries like the DRC.

GAROWE ONLINE