MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The Turkish ambassador to Somalia held separate meetings on Tuesday with Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and State Minister Ali Bal’ad amidst reports of escalating internal tensions between the two officials.
While the meetings were ostensibly to congratulate Somalia on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the decision to meet with each official separately within the same ministry in Mogadishu raised eyebrows and sparked a social media backlash.
Sources suggest that the Turkish ambassador sought to mediate the ongoing power struggle between Fiqi and Bal’ad, which has led to diplomatic confusion and frustrated Turkey’s efforts. Ankara is particularly concerned that the rift could undermine a recent agreement it brokered between Somalia and Ethiopia. Fiqi, who has expressed a desire to remove Ethiopian troops from Somalia, is also inclined towards Egypt, whose forces he seeks to deploy in the country. In contrast, Bal’ad and Somali intelligence chief Sanbalolshe support the continued presence of Ethiopian troops.
The discord between Fiqi and Bal’ad is reported to be longstanding. At one point, Bal’ad even mobilized parliamentarians to introduce a no-confidence motion against his superior. This ongoing conflict has raised questions as to why President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has not intervened to mediate or resolve the issue, ensuring the smooth operation and efficiency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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