By Abdullahi Ahmed Nor
In a rare diplomatic visit that raised eyebrows in both Somalia and the UK, a delegation from the Somali Federal Parliament, led by Speaker Aaden Madoobe, attended the UK Parliament with the aim of fostering bilateral relations. However, the outcome of their visit has sparked widespread disappointment and criticism, with many deeming it a public embarrassment for Somalia’s parliamentary representation.
A Disastrous Representation of Somali Parliament
The delegation, which included first-time MPs Mohamed Ajiib, Murjaan, and Gobson, arrived at the British Parliament with no clear agenda or strategic objectives. These three MPs, all inexperienced and without any prior work experience, with no agenda, seemed ill-prepared for the complexities of international diplomacy. Rather than engaging in meaningful political dialogue with their UK counterparts, the trip quickly devolved into a series of awkward and inconsequential moments, resulting in little more than a few photos ops.
The visiting Somali parliamentarians were greeted by ceremonial fanfare in the UK Parliament, but the delegation’s lack of preparation and substance was glaringly evident. Instead of fostering important relationships or addressing pressing political issues, the delegation spent their time posing for photographs and walking away with nothing of value for Somalia’s diplomatic standing.
While the Somali Parliament boasts with some experienced, knowledgeable, and capable members, this particular delegation lacked the strategic foresight and preparation necessary to represent Somalia effectively on the international stage. Their visit contrasted starkly with the high standards set by previous Somali delegations, leaving many to question the professionalism of the current leadership.
A Missed Opportunity and a Stark Contrast to the Past
For those familiar with Somali diplomacy, the recent visit is being compared unfavorably to a far more successful and respected mission in the past. Under the leadership of the late Mohamed Osman Jawari, a Somali delegation visited the UK Parliament, and the contrast between these two visits could not be more striking.
During that visit, Jawari was flanked by a distinguished and experienced team, including economist and 1st Deputy Speaker Mr. Jeylani Ikar, and the 2nd Deputy Speaker Mr. Mahad Awad. This delegation, which also included former ambassadors and individuals well-versed in foreign affairs, demonstrated a level of professionalism and expertise that made a lasting impact in the UK. Their delegation spent two days meeting with influential members of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, engaging in meaningful dialogue on issues ranging from governance to international relations.
During their stay, the delegation even hosted two town hall meetings for the Somali expatriates in the UK, where they discussed Somalia’s political future, the challenges it faced, and how the diaspora could contribute to national development. The successful nature of this trip was marked by the issuance of joint communiqués between the Somali delegation and the UK Parliament, touching on critical subjects and setting a cooperative tone for future collaboration.
In stark contrast, Speaker Aaden Madoobe’s recent delegation failed to replicate that success, leaving many in the Somali community in the UK disillusioned by the lack of substance and diplomacy displayed.
A Leader with a Controversial Past
Speaker Aaden Madoobe’s leadership is contentious, particularly in light of his past as a former warlord involved in the Somali Civil War. Many in the Somali diaspora view Speaker Madoobe as a deeply controversial figure with a history of violence and a lack of formal. For critics, his background raises serious questions about his qualifications to represent Somalia on the international stage. His previous role as a warlord, marked by bloodshed and lawlessness, casts a shadow over his credibility as a leader education (see my previous article).
For many, the delegation led by Madoobe represents the same issues that have plagued Somalia for years: corruption, a lack of accountability, and the influence of individuals with questionable pasts. Critics argue that Madoobe’s delegation mirrored his status—”birds of the same feather, fly together.”
Wasted Opportunity
The Somali delegation’s recent visit to the UK, intended to foster meaningful engagement with senior UK parliamentarians and address critical issues such as governance, policy, and bilateral diplomatic ties, regrettably fell short of expectations. Despite the visit’s stated objectives, it devolved into what many perceived as a mere public relations exercise, characterized by photo opportunities rather than substantive dialogue or action.
For the Somali people, particularly the large diaspora community in the UK, this was a profound disappointment. They had hoped the delegation would leverage the visit to solidify relations with one of Somalia’s most significant international allies, promote the country’s interests, and advocate for stronger cooperation. Instead, the absence of meaningful discussions and tangible outcomes left many questioning the delegation’s preparedness, its grasp of diplomatic priorities, and its understanding of the high stakes involved in representing Somalia on such an influential platform.
The visit highlighted a broader concern about Somalia’s approach to international relations. Without a strategic focus or the willingness to engage in genuine dialogue, opportunities to build partnerships and secure support are squandered. For Somalia, a nation grappling with complex political, economic, and security challenges, such missed opportunities undermine efforts to build credibility and trust with global partners.
A Global Disgrace
Somali expatriates in the UK who attended the meeting were left disheartened by the delegation’s lack of professionalism and preparation. While their UK counterparts engaged in meaningful discussions on policy, governance, and international cooperation, the Somali delegation seemed disconnected from the reality of what it means to represent a nation.
The image of Speaker Madoobe and his team walking away from the UK Parliament without any tangible outcomes or progress only further reinforced perceptions of incompetence and ineffectiveness. The UK Parliament, renowned as one of the most respected legislative bodies globally, was notably underwhelmed by the Somali delegation’s lack of substance during their recent engagement. This disappointment stemmed from the delegation’s apparent failure to present well-thought-out arguments, clear policy proposals, or meaningful contributions to the discussions.
Such a shortfall risks tarnishing Somalia’s image on the international stage, raising questions about the competence of its representatives in addressing pressing national and global issues. This missed opportunity for robust diplomatic engagement underscores a broader challenge—Somalia’s need to better prepare its officials to navigate high-stakes international forums effectively.
As a country striving to rebuild its governance structures and reassert its position in the global community, moments like these highlight the critical importance of equipping its delegations with the skills, knowledge, and strategy necessary to represent the nation’s interests with credibility and impact.
Conclusion: A Call for Reform and Accountability
The recent visit of the Somali Parliamentary delegation to the UK Parliament has exposed critical shortcomings in Somalia’s approach to international diplomacy, raising urgent questions about leadership, accountability, and the nation’s preparedness to engage on the global stage. This debacle is not just an isolated incident; it is symptomatic of deeper systemic issues in governance and representation that Somalia can no longer afford to ignore.
This failure must serve as a turning point—a rallying cry for reform and accountability within Somalia’s leadership. The nation’s representatives must be held to higher standards of competence, preparation, and professionalism, especially when tasked with representing Somalia on international platforms. Diplomatic engagements are not mere ceremonial events; they are opportunities to build alliances, advocate for national interests, and solidify Somalia’s place in the global community.
Reform is essential to ensure that future delegations are composed of qualified, experienced individuals who can carry out their duties with credibility and purpose. This includes investing in training for parliamentarians, fostering expertise in diplomacy, and instituting transparent systems to hold officials accountable for their actions—or lack thereof.
Accountability must also extend to leadership. Those who prioritize personal gain over national interests or fail to represent Somalia effectively must face consequences. For too long, Somalia’s reputation has been undermined by officials who lack the vision, competence, and integrity necessary for their roles.
The Somali people, both at home and in the diaspora, deserve leaders who reflect their aspirations and dignity on the world stage. It is time for Somalia to break the cycle of inefficiency and mediocrity, and commit to a future where its representatives embody the values of responsibility, professionalism, and dedication to the nation’s progress.
Abdullahi Ahmed Nor
Email: [email protected]
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Related articles:
Inside the Federal Parliament of Somalia Leadership, Corruption and Scandal: The case of Speaker Adan Mohamed (Madobe)- Part II By Abdullahi Ahmed
Inside the Federal Parliament of Somalia leadership: The case of Sadia Yasin Samatar- Corruption, Scandal, and Bloodshed in Somali Politics- Part I By Abdullahi A. Nor
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