Somali President Accepts Credentials of Eight Newly Appointed Ambassadors

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali PresidentHassan Sheikh Mohamudon Wednesday accepted the credentials of eight newly appointed ambassadors, signaling renewed momentum in Somalia’s diplomatic outreach during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu.

The envoys represent Egypt, Indonesia, Sweden, Cuba, Canada, Finland, Norway and Spain. In welcoming them, Mohamud underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and urged close coordination with Somali institutions to support peace, trade and regional integration.

The newly accredited ambassadors are:

• Mohamed Salah Khashta, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt
• Whitjaksono Adjie, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia
• Hans Henrik Lundqvist, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden
• Ennis Force Fernandes, Ambassador of Cuba
• Joshua Brenber Tabah, Ambassador of Canada
• Reyna Rica Hikka, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland
• Saif Katherine Mo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway
• Jaime Alejandro Moreno Boa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain

The ambassadors conveyed greetings from their national leaders and expressed support for Somalia’s ongoing progress. The exchange highlighted shared priorities around stabilization, economic recovery and the practical steps needed to translate diplomatic commitments into programs on the ground.

Somalia’s engagement with a broad mix of partners—from European and North American allies to Arab and Asian counterparts—reflects a deliberate push to widen cooperation after decades of conflict and institutional fragmentation. Officials say Mogadishu aims to deepen ties across areas including post-conflict recovery, economic reforms and counterterrorism cooperation, while inviting international expertise to bolster public services and governance.

Wednesday’s ceremony also underscores the practical mechanics of Somalia’s foreign policy reset. Credential presentations formalize the status of ambassadors and open direct channels for technical teams to work with ministries on priority files, from facilitating trade and investment to coordinating humanitarian and development assistance. The presidency has encouraged the new envoys to engage early with Somali agencies and regional authorities to align programs with local needs and timelines.

For Somalia, the expanded diplomatic corps brings an opportunity to accelerate projects that can deliver visible gains—such as vocational training, market access for Somali goods, maritime and border security coordination, and education and cultural exchanges. For partner governments, a resident presence in Mogadishu provides a closer view of the country’s reforms and security conditions, alongside avenues to support regional stability and economic integration in the Horn of Africa.

The flurry of accreditations comes as Somali leaders seek to consolidate security improvements and unlock investment in infrastructure, energy and agriculture. While the country still faces threats from armed groups and the demands of institution building, officials say sustained external partnerships are central to driving growth, expanding livelihoods and reinforcing the rule of law.

By receiving these eight ambassadors at Villa Somalia, the presidency signaled continuity in a diplomatic strategy designed to diversify alliances and convert high-level engagement into practical cooperation. The government framed the step as part of a broader effort to reassert Somalia’s role as a reliable regional actor and international partner—one built on transparent collaboration and shared interests.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.