Somalia recalls ambassador to India over unauthorised engagements

The Somali government has ordered the urgent recall of its ambassador to India, Abdirahman Odawaa, amid allegations of unauthorised diplomatic activities linked to his Somaliland origin, a local news portal reported on X.

The Office of the President has also initiated a broader review of Somali ambassadors abroad who hail from Somaliland. Ambassador Odawaa has been issued a return ticket to Mogadishu, with December 29 set as the final deadline for his arrival, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been formally notified of the recall.

Sources indicate the ambassador is accused of facilitating direct relations between Somaliland and India and promoting initiatives beyond the scope of his official diplomatic mandate assigned by the Federal Government. Reports suggest that documentary evidence, including written communications and records of contacts, has been obtained concerning his actions.

Ambassador Odawaa is expected to return to Mogadishu in the coming days, as Somalia’s federal authorities review the matter.

By Khagan Isayev