Somali Cabinet Appoints 14 New Ambassadors in Move to Expand Diplomatic Presence
GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Somali Cabinet has approved the appointment of 14 new diplomats, including 12 ambassadors and two consuls general.
This was announced after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday marking part of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s move to enhance Somalia’s diplomatic presence globally.
The appointments marks the federal government’s third round of ambassadorial appointments since he took office in May 2022.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stated that the appointments are strategic in advancing Somalia’s international interests.
Foreign Minister Ahmed Macallin Fiqi echoed the sentiments saying that the country is committed to strengthening international alliances and building supportive global relationships.
The appointments are as follows:
Jama Hassan Khalifa – Ambassador: Currently the Minister of Communications and Technology, Khalifa has implemented policies that helped resume diplomatic relations with Cuba after 46 years.
Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi – Ambassador: Dr. Abdi was the Executive Director of the Center for East African Studies at Zhejiang University in China. Known for her documentary “Africans in Yiwu,” she has also served as a foreign relations advisor to the Somali Prime Minister.
Abdinur Dahir Fidow – Ambassador: Fidow, the former State Minister for Defence, played a role in the handover of the Maslah Forward Operating Base from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the Somali National Army.
Ilyas Ali Hassan – Ambassador: Hassan, a former Minister of State for Interior and Reconciliation, has served as a Senator for the South West State.
Abdiweli Hirsi Abdulle (Indhaguran)—Consul General: The seasoned politician, known as Indhaguran, has served as Minister of Information and Minister of Trade for Puntland. He implemented quality control measures at Bosaso port and enhanced media security in Puntland.
Full List of Appointed Diplomats:
- Ibrahim Omar Shegow – Ambassador
- Sheikhnur Mohamed Hassan – Ambassador
- Jama Hassan Khalifa – Ambassador
- Dr. Abdulkhadir A. Hashi – Ambassador
- Fardowsa Mohamed Qanyare – Ambassador
- Faisal Ahmed Salad – Ambassador
- Abib Musa Farah – Ambassador
- Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi – Ambassador
- Ilyas Ali Hassan – Ambassador
- Dr. Sakhawadin Mustaf Mohamed – Ambassador
- Mohamed Abukar Zubeer – Ambassador
- Abdinur Dahir Fidow – Ambassador
- Abdiweli Hirsi Abdulle (Indhaguran) – Consul General
- Abdikarin Ahmed Mohamed – Consul General