The EU Ambassador Corrects Her Mistake Regarding President Hassan's Title

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, has once again referred to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as "President" in a new statement, days after a previous comment where she did not mention his title sparked reactions and questions about diplomatic protocol.

Di Mauro stated in a post she made on Monday that she met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and informed him of the EU's support for security and humanitarian assistance in Somalia.

“During my meeting with the President of the Republic, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, I also informed him of the EU's allocation of 75 million euros for AUSSOM and the need to share the burden in the future,” she wrote.

She added that the meeting addressed the implementation of 63 million euros in humanitarian aid, which is being implemented by the EU humanitarian aid agency ECHO, particularly for those affected by severe drought.

The new statement is seen as a noticeable change compared to a previous statement where Di Mauro only referred to Hassan Sheikh by his name, while in the same statement she referred to the President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Dani, without adding “president.”

This issue has been widely discussed, as it came at a time when the country is experiencing a sensitive political dispute related to President Hassan Sheikh's term, the electoral process, and the relationship between the federal government and some regional leaders.

The opposition and Puntland have strongly opposed the federal government's position, while Villa Somalia insists that the term of federal institutions continues until 2027, basing this on constitutional amendments approved by parliament.

The sensitivity of diplomatic protocol

The words used by foreign diplomats operating in Somalia are closely scrutinized, especially when they relate to disputes between the federal government, the opposition, and regional administrations.

The title “President” is not just a personal reference used for Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. It is the constitutional position he holds, which the federal government uses to represent Somalia's internal and international relations.

This issue has continued to carry political sensitivity, as the government is pursuing new electoral plans, while the opposition accuses Villa Somalia of extending its term without reaching a broad political agreement.

Di Mauro's use of the term “H.E. President” appears to have returned to the normal diplomatic protocol regarding the President of the Federal Government of Somalia.

This does not mean that the European Union has changed its political position. Brussels has repeatedly called on Somali leaders to engage in dialogue, consensus, and a comprehensive political solution.

However, the new statement illustrates how every word used by foreign ambassadors is interpreted, as the political conflict in Somalia intensifies.

EU Support

The European Union remains one of Somalia's major partners, providing extensive support in security, humanitarian aid, state-building, and governance.

Di Mauro's statement specifically highlighted two important issues: 75 million euros allocated by the EU for the African Union mission AUSSOM and 63 million euros in humanitarian aid channeled through ECHO.

The funding for AUSSOM comes at a time when the African Union mission is facing financial pressure, while Somali forces continue their fight against Al-Shabaab.

However, the political significance of Di Mauro's statement lies in the title she chose to use for Hassan Sheikh.

The European Union has not explicitly stated that it has changed its position regarding the political process in Somalia, but the new statement shows that Brussels, while trying to remain neutral in the internal dispute, is still aware of the importance of maintaining diplomatic protocol when it comes to the President of Somalia.

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