Kampala, Uganda : Somalia’s Acting Foreign Minister, Ali Mohamed Omar, embarked on a whirlwind of diplomacy at the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit, securing pledges of support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity while forging new alliances.
In a series of bilateral meetings, Omar met with counterparts from across the globe, building bridges and seeking solidarity. His discussions with Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Janury Makamba, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and underscored the international community’s commitment to a unified and sovereign Somalia.
Similarly, talks with Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Sameh Hassan Shoukry, deepened existing ties and explored avenues for cooperation in various sectors, all while reaffirming Egypt’s unwavering support for Somalia’s security and stability.
Omar also met with Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and Mozambique’s Foreign Minister, Verónica Nataniel Macamo Dlhovo, solidifying relations and garnering assurances of support for Somalia’s sovereignty. South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, further solidified the commitment, pledging expanded cooperation and unwavering solidarity in safeguarding Somali territorial integrity.
Beyond forging new partnerships, Omar addressed a crucial issue: Ethiopia’s infringement on Somali sovereignty. In a meeting with Iraq’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Omar Berzanji, they condemned the signing of the controversial memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and the “Somaliland Administration.” This agreement, deemed illegal by Somalia, sparked outrage and threatened regional stability.