Somalia President Appoints Diplomatic Novice as New Ambassador to US.

By: Zakeriye Ahmed

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has appointed Daahir Hassan Arab, a political novice with no previous diplomatic experience, as the country’s new Ambassador to the United States.

U.S. President Joe Biden received the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador to Washington, as reported by VOA Somali Service. Daahir will replace seasoned diplomat Ali Sharif Ahmed, who has held the position since 2019.

Daahir Hassan Arab, who has been the rector of SIMAD University in Mogadishu since 2015, comes from an educational rather than a diplomatic background. His close personal connection to President Mohamud—a founding figure of SIMAD University—is seen as a significant factor in his appointment.

The move has sparked debate among political analysts and critics regarding its potential impact on Somalia’s foreign policy. Critics argue that Daahir’s lack of diplomatic experience could weaken Somalia’s representation in Washington, particularly in complex international negotiations such as counterterrorism and military cooperation.

Former Somalia State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Balal Mohamed Cusman, expressed concerns about the challenges Daahir may face. “The lack of prior high-level diplomatic experience may pose an initial hurdle in navigating the complexities of international relations, particularly in areas requiring nuanced diplomacy, such as counterterrorism and military cooperation,” Balal said.

However, Balal also highlighted potential benefits, noting the opportunity for fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. “As someone with a strong academic background, the new ambassador may bring a different set of skills and experiences that could enhance collaborations with Washington. His success in this role will largely depend on his ability to quickly adapt to the demands of diplomacy and leverage his strengths effectively,” he added.

Ahmed Isse Awad, former Foreign Affairs Minister and Ambassador to the US, criticized Somalia’s lack of an established recruitment system for foreign service employees at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Diplomats, including ambassadors, are usually selected and appointed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under an established system. Unfortunately, Somalia doesn’t have an established system of recruitment for government institutions, including foreign service employees at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.

He added that Somalia’s lack of such a process allows every president to appoint anyone at will, which is detrimental to the proper functioning of state institutions and results in the absence of merit-based appointments and promotions of civil servants and government officials.

“That is why every president appoints anyone as he wishes, which is, of course, detrimental to the proper functioning of state institutions and the absence of merit-based appointments and promotions of civil servants and government officials,” Awad said.

Awad further explained that, depending on the political system, presidents and prime ministers are allowed to appoint a small number of ambassadors, known as political appointees. These individuals are usually reputable figures whose tenure ends with the government’s mandate. However, he emphasized that this process should not replace a merit-based recruitment system, which is necessary for the stability and professionalism of Somalia’s foreign service.

Additionally, Somalia Senator Professor Abdi Ismael Samatar described Daahir’s appointment as nepotism rather than a career move in a recent interview.