Somalia recalls envoy in protest

Kenya’s relations with Somalia dipped on Sunday after Mogadishu resolved to recall its ambassador in protest against alleged harassment of one of its diplomats.

The Somali Federal Government ministers met and agreed to order its ambassador, Mr Mohamed Ali Noor Ameriko and Mr Siyad Shire, the consular who was arrested, back to Somalia until Kenya explains its action.

Information minister Mustafa Dhuhulow told the ‘Somalicurrent’ after the extra-ordinary cabinet meeting that Mogadishu was unhappy with the detention of its consular in the ongoing security operation in Nairobi and other major towns to fight terrorism.

“Cabinet ministers in today’s extra-ordinary meeting have unanimously ordered the return of Somali ambassador to Kenya Mohamed Ali Noor for discussion and consultation on the incident.”

Mr Dhuhulow added that they were waiting for the Kenyan Foreign Affairs ministry to give a clarification on the incident.

An officer privy to the operation confirmed the arrest and said the diplomat was released after he identified himself

The officer, who cannot be named because of confidentiality reasons, explained that the Somali official did not produce documents to prove his status at the time of the arrest, but was set free later when proper papers were produced.

The officer also said they were relying on the Foreign Affairs ministry which had the list of all foreigners showing “who is who in the diplomatic community.”

Inquiries by the Nation revealed that Mr Ameriko, in fact, left for Mogadishu last Friday evening. Speaking about the detention of the consular, Mr Ameriko told the media that he deplored the arrest of the consular and that he had sent a complaint letter to the Interior ministry.

However, ministry spokesman Mwenda Njoka said they had not received any letter from the Somali embassy regarding the incident.