Qatar replaces its ambassador in Somalia as new era starts

The new ambassador is expected to arrive in the country's capital Mogadishu to submit his letter of Credentials to the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

News Keydmedia Online
16 October 2022

DOHA, Qatar - The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani appointed Dr Abdullah Salem Nasser Al Holi Al Nuaimi as the new Ambassador to Somalia on Sunday.

A circular from the Sheikh Tamim's Office said that Dr Abdullah Salem Nasser Al Holi Al Nuaimi will replace Hassan bin Hamza Hashem whose diplomatic mission ended after 8 years of service.

The new ambassador is expected to arrive in the country's capital Mogadishu to submit his letter of Credentials to the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Qatar has had extensive political influence in Somalia during the five-year rule of Farmajo, who was defeated in the May 2022 vote. He worked closely with Doha after funding his 2017 election.

The United Arab Emirates [UAE], which is competing with Qatar in the dominance of Somalia, has now regained its influence this year after Hassan Sheikh won re-election.

The relations between Somalia and UAE strained and hit the lowest point after NISA seized $9.6 million from a plane at Mogadishu airport in April 2018 during Farmajo's leadership.

Ties returned to normal after the money was released by ex-PM Mohamed Hussein Roble early this year ahead of the presidential election in May, a move that Abu Dhabi gave a come-back chance.

The Gulf rivalries - Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have both sent money to influence the 2012, 2017 and 2022 elections as their battle for influence violated the sovereignty of Somalia.

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