Mogadishu (PP Editorial) — The Statement of Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on Somalia reflects the bullying diplomatic tactics of the European Union.
Borrell did not only show utter disrespect to Somalia’s legislators but he also implied that Somalia is a threat to its neighbours due to the term extension for federal institutions.
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His statement is a violation of diplomatic niceties unprecedented in post-World War Two order: a supranational entity falsely accusing a sovereign state of indirect aggression against its neighbours.
The problem is that member states in whose name Borrell has spoken might subscribe to the destabilising policy against Somalia.
Does Italy believe Somalia is a threat to its neighbours?
Do Germany and France put their weight behind a policy that drives a wedge between Somalia and its neighbours?
It is understood the Somali Federal Government has not yet summoned the EU Ambassador to Somalia for an explanation about the diplomatic disrespect conveyed in Borrell’s statement.
And although the EU has not had a significant role in state-building endeavours in Somalia, its assistance to the infrastructural development programmes is appreciated, but its interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and incendiary efforts at diplomacy is unacceptable.
The EU foreign policy exemplified by its statement on Somalia is not based on a responsible exercise of hegemonic influence.
The EU must retract its statement.
This article first appeared in the © Puntland Post, 2021 and is republished with permission
