Somalia’s New Ambassador Presents Credentials in Khartoum as Diplomatic Activity Resumes

GOOBJOOG NEWS | KHARTOUM: Somalia’s newly appointed ambassador to Sudan, Dr Ahmed Jama Omar, has formally presented his diplomatic credentials to Sudan’s de facto leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in a ceremony in Khartoum that signals a resumption of high-level diplomatic activity at Sudan’s presidential headquarters during the country’s ongoing war.

The ceremony took place at the Sudanese presidential palace in Khartoum in the presence of Sudan’s Foreign Minister Muhyiddin Salim.

Ahmed Jama Omar became the first ambassador to present credentials at the presidential palace in Khartoum since the conflict began, according to the Somali account of the ceremony. The development underscores the gradual return of diplomatic activity to parts of the capital despite Sudan’s continuing conflict and political instability.

For Somalia, the appointment also reinforces its diplomatic presence in Sudan and reflects the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

Somalia and Sudan have maintained close political and social ties for decades, including longstanding links in education, trade and people-to-people relations.

The presentation of credentials comes at a sensitive time for Sudan, where a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has displaced millions of people and severely disrupted state institutions and services.

Khartoum has also been heavily affected by the fighting, although the Sudanese authorities have sought to restore government functions in the capital as the conflict continues.

The return of diplomatic ceremonies to the presidential palace is therefore significant beyond the formal appointment itself, suggesting that Sudanese authorities are seeking to re-establish normal government and diplomatic functions in areas under their control.

Ahmed Jama Omar had previously submitted copies of his credentials to Sudan’s foreign minister in April 2026, as part of the accreditation process.

His formal presentation to al-Burhan completes another stage of that process and establishes his official role as Somalia’s representative in Sudan.

SOMALIA-SUDAN RELATIONSHIP

The appointment comes as Somalia seeks to maintain relations with Sudan despite the continuing conflict.

The two countries have historically cooperated in areas including education, diplomacy and political affairs, with Sudan having hosted generations of Somali students and professionals.

Maintaining an active diplomatic presence in Khartoum provides Somalia a channel for continued engagement with Sudanese authorities and the Somali community in the country.

The ceremony also comes as Somalia expands its diplomatic engagement across Africa and seeks to strengthen bilateral relations at a time of significant political and security changes on the continent.

With Sudan’s war still unresolved, the new ambassador is likely to face the additional challenge of maintaining diplomatic and consular operations amid an unstable security environment.