NAIROBI, Kenya (Horne Observer) – Somali social media users on Thursday blocked the South African High Commissioner for Nairobi blocked a visa application for former Somala Prime Minister Mohamed Husseinrobull, who was about to travel to South Africa for certain reasons I reported that.
The first report alleges that the Somali government suspended Robull's diplomatic passport and the request made to the Somali embassy in Nairobi was denied.
However, Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiki revealed that the issue occurred on the South African side, not from Mogadishu.
photograph: Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiki revealed that the issue occurred on the South African side rather than on Mogadishu.
A letter dated February 1, 2025, cited six officials reportedly being part of the Robl delegation to South Africa, ranging from Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Nairobi's South Africa High Commissioner.
However, South African authorities raised concerns about some individuals on the list, citing alleged links to terrorist networks and drug smuggling in Somalia.
“The problem was why South Africa didn't accept visa applications for six individuals because the name contained a red flag. Only the former prime minister was approved,” said a foreign ministry official involved in the matter that requested anonymity.
photograph: A letter dated February 1, 2025, cited six officials reportedly being part of the Robl delegation to South Africa, ranging from Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Nairobi's South Africa High Commissioner.
Some of the rejected visas are: Abdirahman Yusuf al-Adaala, Deputy Minister of Information. Abdullahi Abukar Haji; Abdullahi Mohamed nor; Hirey Ahmed Roble and Abdirisaq Habib Abshir.
Roble did not respond to inquiries regarding the situation.
However, his close ally and former minister Abdullahi Arab suggested that the denial of the Roblu delegation's visa was “action targeted by Mogadishu.”
“Roble later used his Swedish passport,” said the Arabs, who once served as Minister of Education under the Roble administration from 2020 to 2022.
The Arabs themselves were involved in the alleged supply of food aid and foreign fighter jets to extremist groups in al-Shabaab in 2011.
He was detained, but he was later released under the president's pardon.
Somalia's Roble and drug trafficking allegations
Somali sources argue that heroin and Hashish are exported from Somalia to foreign markets, with some networks linked to politicians.
The UN reports that Somalia's long-term instability has encouraged illegal activities, including the trafficking of drugs such as heroin and hashish.
Addende International Airport in Mogadishu has been identified as a critical transport system for drug trafficking and other illegal activities.
In early February 2025, Somali police conducted a massive operation at Mogadishu's port and airport, seizing a considerable amount of illegal drugs.
Police reported that the operation highlighted the challenges the authorities face in controlling drugs smuggled through critical entry points.
Corruption within airport management is making the problem even worse. In January 2023, court documents revealed that officials from the Treasury and central bank were engaged in fraudulent activities at Addenden International Airport.
These officials are allegedly used fake stamps and forged documents to embezzle millions of dollars.
Additionally, in October 2024, two senior officials in charge of security and immigration at Mogadishua den aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden aden
These officials were accused of using forged documents to promote personal movements, further compromising security at the airport.
