Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The Somali government’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, has been accused of undermining the integrity of Somali passports, particularly those issued to diplomats. These passports, once reserved for government officials and diplomats, have reportedly been handed to leaders, service providers, and other government employees.
Western embassies in Nairobi have returned hundreds of passports and visa applications signed by Fiqi. The documents were for individuals seeking entry to European countries and the United States, yet these applicants were not diplomats or government officials. Instead, many were private citizens who allegedly received bribes in exchange for the passports.
Sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have revealed that some members of the Somali parliament, facing personal issues, were also implicated in this scandal. These members supposedly received passports and visas through Fiqi’s actions, which allowed them to travel to Europe.
The Western embassies in Nairobi have expressed surprise at the influx of visa applications from individuals holding Somali passports. These embassies have been forced to send the documents back, questioning the validity of the system and expressing concerns over the mismanagement of the passport process.
The scandal has become a major embarrassment for the Somali government, especially given the already low reputation of Somali passports on the international stage. Minister Fiqi’s actions have only further tarnished the credibility of the Somali passport, adding to the nation’s diplomatic woes.