The decision comes after the ambassador cited inappropriate behavior by Mrs. Hinda Culusow, the chief protocol of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

In a resignation memo addressed to the president, prime minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and the foreign minister Abshir Omar, Ambassador Salim Maow Haji expressed his concerns over the deteriorating situation within the Hassan Sheikh’s administration.

The memo read, “I am compelled to resign from my position as the Somali ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to the bad behavior and inappropriate actions of Mrs. Hinda Culusow. Her conduct has compromised the diplomatic norms and integrity of our nation.”

One of the key incidents that triggered Ambassador Salim Maow Haji’s decision was his exclusion from attending the Arab League summit held in Jeddah on May 19, 2023. As the Somali ambassador to the host country, Mr. Salim Maow Haji emphasized that his exclusion violated diplomatic norms.

“As the Somali ambassador to the host countryI was excluded from attending the Arab League summit in Jeddah on 19th May 2023 which is against the diplomatic norms,” stated Ambassador Salim Maow Haji. “Therefore, in order to protect my reputation and integrity and to uphold the diplomatic norms and the statehood of Somalia, I have decided to resign from my position.”

The resignation of the ambassador sheds light on the broader issues plaguing the Hassan Sheikh Mohamud administration. Reports suggest that the government is facing severe political turmoil both domestically and in its foreign dealings. The country is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, compounded by rampant corruption and and political instability.

Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the president’s appointments of family members to key positions within the government.

Most recently, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointed his daughter as his international relations adviser, while his daughter-in-law assumed control over the country’s head of the bureau of standards. His two wives have also been in charge of investment projects including, but not limited to the FlyDubai airline. These nepotistic appointments have further exacerbated the chaos within the administration.

The resignation of Ambassador Salim Maow Haji highlights the deepening crisis within the Hassan Sheikh Mohamud government which ended its first year term in office.

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