U.S raises concerns over physical assault, threats on its diplomats in Somalia

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U.S raises concerns over physical assault, threats on its diplomats in Somalia

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a recent security incident, the U.S Embassy in Mogadishu expressed deep concern after security personnel accompanying the Somali Prime Minister and the Southwest State President assaulted diplomatic and security s

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U.S Ambassador to Somalia, Larry Andrea and Somali foreign minister Abshir Omar during a recent meeting.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a recent security incident, the U.S Embassy in Mogadishu expressed deep concern after security personnel accompanying the Somali Prime Minister and the Southwest State President assaulted diplomatic and security staffers from the American Embassy.

The U.S Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Timothy P. Trenkle, voiced his grievances in a complaint letter dated May 24, 2023, demanding that those involved be disciplined and appropriate action be taken against them.

The letter was addressed to the Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs. Similarly, a complaint was lodged at the Somali embassy in Washington D.C.

The incident occurred during a farewell event for the outgoing U.S Ambassador held in Mogadishu on May 17. Both Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Laftagareen were present when their personal security attempted to force their way into the Diplomatic Freight Service camp located in Mogadishu’s heavily fortified zone of Halane.

According to Mr. Trenkle’s letter, Somali security personnel pulled firearms and physically assaulted three members of the U.S security team, placing American diplomats at risk. The letter emphasized that U.S diplomatic staff were present at the gate during the incident, and their safety was jeopardized. It highlighted the potential physical and psychological harm they faced.

"U.S diplomatic staff were at the gate at the time of the incident, helping to facilitate guest access. This confrontation put them at risk of physical and psychological harm,” the Chargé d’Affaires, Timothy P. Trenkle wrote.

The Somali authorities have not yet officially responded to the incident or the complaint filed by the U.S Embassy.

Mr. Trenkle reminded the Somali federal government of its responsibility under Article 29 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The article requires the receiving state to treat diplomatic delegations with respect and take necessary measures to prevent any attacks on diplomatic personnel, safeguarding their freedom and dignity.

Historically, clan militia groups have played a significant role in Somalia’s conflict landscape, especially since the onset of the ongoing civil war three decades ago. Somali government officials often rely on their clan militia members, who may lack proper training and, some have criminal records, as their security personnel. This dynamic has frequently led to confrontations, some of which have resulted in fatalities.

Failure to address the May 17 incident, similar incidents in the future could lead to loss of life and compromise the security of foreign diplomats in the country.