MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Federal Republic of Somalia has strongly condemned the recent attack on the residence of the United Arab Emirates ambassador in Khartoum, Sudan. In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its unequivocal rejection of any actions that violate international laws and diplomatic norms.
The attack, which caused significant damage to the ambassadorial residence, has been widely reported but specifics regarding the perpetrators remain contested. The UAE has accused the Sudanese Armed Forces of the assault, while the Sudanese military has denied these allegations, pointing fingers at rival factions within the ongoing Sudanese civil conflict.
Somalia’s condemnation comes on the heels of similar reactions from international bodies and nations, highlighting the gravity of breaching diplomatic immunity. “The Federal Republic of Somalia underscores the critical importance of respecting the inviolability of diplomatic missions and ensuring their full protection, as stipulated in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” the statement read.
This incident adds to the growing list of attacks on diplomatic missions globally, underscoring the precarious situation in conflict zones like Sudan, where the war between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to significant instability since April 2023.
The international community, including Somalia, calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities that endanger diplomatic personnel and premises, emphasizing the need for adherence to international diplomatic protocols to maintain global peace and security.
Somalia’s stance not only reflects its commitment to international law but also its solidarity with the UAE in this troubling time, urging all parties in Sudan to respect and protect diplomatic missions as per international agreements.