By Ahmed A. Yusuf

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a crucial role in shaping a nation’s diplomacy, navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, and safeguarding national interests through strategic policymaking. Given the high stakes of this position, it demands a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in international relations, negotiation, and global affairs.

However, since his appointment, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has drawn widespread scrutiny—not for his diplomatic acumen, but for his history of impulsiveness, lack of diplomatic protocols, proficiency in English, and often reckless public statements. Prior to assuming office, Fiqi was a highly vocal figure on social media, frequently weighing in on various issues, often with little regard for factual accuracy. His appointment by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to such a critical position was met with surprise and skepticism.

Analysts suggest two primary reasons for his selection. First, it is widely believed that President Hassan Sheikh maintains tight control over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, personally overseeing key policy decisions. Second, the real power within the ministry is said to rest with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the President’s daughter, significantly diminishing Fiqi’s role. As a result, many view him as a figurehead, whose primary duties are limited to overseas travel and media engagements rather than actual policymaking.

Fiqi’s tenure has been marked by a series of diplomatic missteps that have alarmed veteran Somali diplomats and the public alike. A notable example occurred when he overstepped his mandate by commenting on Somalia’s electoral process—an issue far outside the jurisdiction of the Foreign Ministry. In an interview with VOA Somali, Fiqi declared that the federal government remains fully committed to implementing a nationwide one-person, one-vote electoral system, despite strong opposition from key federal member states and the opposition parties. His remarks fueled concerns about Villa Somalia’s overreach and disregard for the federal system, further undermining confidence in his ability to handle the complexities of his position.

Speaking with confidence, the foreign minister stated that significant efforts were underway to ensure compliance from all federal member states, including Puntland and Jubaland, both of which have strongly opposed Villa Somalia’s electoral ambitions. “We will overcome the outdated system of control where a single regional leader determines the fate of others. The people cannot be held hostage. Elections will take place in Puntland and Jubaland,” Fiqi declared. Please carefully listen his yesterday’s position and today’s position on this same issue.

His remarks, however, have raised eyebrows across Somalia’s political landscape. The electoral process falls under the mandate of the Ministry of Interior and Federalization, not the Foreign Ministry. By speaking on the matter, Fiqi has further fueled concerns over Villa Somalia’s increasing overreach and its apparent disregard for the principles of federalism. His statements suggest that the central government intends to dictate electoral policies without the consensus of all stakeholders—a move that could further escalate tensions with Puntland and Jubaland FMS.

A Minister Who Speaks on Everything and Nothing

Fiqi’s eagerness to speak on every major issue, regardless of its relevance to his role, has led many to question his credibility. His media presence has become an almost daily affair, giving the impression of a minister more concerned with public appearances than his actual duties.

Just last week, he was at the center of another controversy, attempting to deny allegations that he blocked a visa request for former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble. In another interview with VOA Somali, Fiqi claimed he had no role in withholding the approval needed for Roble to travel to South Africa. However, his denial quickly unraveled when Hon. Eng. Abdullahi Arab, a member of the former prime minister’s delegation, confirmed that all other members had received their visas—except Roble.

This public embarrassment only adds to the perception that Fiqi is more focused on controlling narratives than executing his responsibilities as foreign minister. His repeated missteps, coupled with his tendency to delve into matters outside his portfolio, raise serious doubts about his suitability for the role.

At a time when Somalia is grappling with significant internal and external challenges, including strained relations with federal member states and a fragile security situation, a disciplined and competent foreign minister is essential. Yet, Fiqi’s performance so far suggests he is more interested in playing the role of a government spokesperson than fulfilling his actual mandate.

His latest remarks on elections may have been intended to project strength, but they have instead exposed the widening disconnect between Villa Somalia and the realities on the ground. If the federal government cannot even secure full control of Mogadishu, as many critics point out, how does it expect to enforce a nationwide electoral process without consensus?

As Somalia moves closer to another critical election cycle, one thing is clear—Minister Fiqi’s media appearances may continue, but his credibility is rapidly diminishing.

Somalia’s Ministers Turn into Government Mouthpieces as Opposition Faces Crackdown

The Minister of Foreign Affairs is not alone in acting as an unofficial government spokesperson—most of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s ministers have adopted a similar role, relentlessly defending the administration at every opportunity. However, his behavior is particularly excessive. Reports suggest that cabinet members have been tasked to attacking the opposition across all platforms—on the airwaves, in public forums, and through any means available—to suppress dissent and shape public perception.

A Disturbing Example of Government Misconduct

A glaring example of this aggressive suppression unfolded in parliament when Hon. Mohamed Amiin Jeesow took the podium to address lawmakers. He was discussing the grim reality of Somalia’s security situation, highlighting how Al-Shabaab had overrun several districts controlled by government forces and how the militant group’s vast territorial control made it impossible to hold a one-person, one-vote election in many areas.

However, before he could finish, a group of Deputy ministers, led by Minister of Environment Brigadier General Hon. Bashir, abruptly interrupted him. They launched into a loud, chaotic tirade, accusing him of demoralizing the army and making inflammatory remarks to drown out his speech. Their intent was clear—they were not there to debate or refute his claims but to prevent him from voicing any criticism that contradicted the government’s narrative.

The attack on Jeesow was not just a spontaneous outburst but a calculated effort to silence opposition voices. As a member of Himilo Qaran, an opposition party, he has become a prime target for government intimidation. Ministers and their allies in parliament appear to believe that silencing dissent is the best way to secure their positions within the administration.

A Government Bent on Crushing the Opposition

Beyond stifling opposition voices in parliament, the government has outright banned opposition groups from holding meetings in hotels or organizing protests—a blatant violation of democratic principles.

Just a week ago, Hon. Dahir Amiin Jeesow experienced this crackdown firsthand. As he addressed a gathering of civilians at a hotel they had lawfully rented, government forces stormed the venue, seized his microphone mid-speech, and threw it outside in a humiliating show of force. This brazen act of repression sends a clear message—the government will not tolerate any form of organized opposition, even in private settings.

The escalating authoritarian tactics of Villa Somalia raise serious concerns about the erosion of democratic space in Somalia. As ministers abandon their official duties to become attack dogs for the administration, the line between governance and political warfare continues to blur.

Ahmed A. Yusuf
Email: aayuusuf44@gmail.com