A diplomatic and economic crisis broke out this week between Qatar and a group of other Arab states led by Saudi Arabia, which want Qatar to end its support for Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, among other demands. What could be the impact on Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea – countries that have strong ties with one or more of these Mideast powers?
For now, Sudan and Somalia have announced officially neutral positions, but they may yet face pressures or be offered inducements to take sides.
In this podcast, reporter Jason Patinkin speaks with Professor Harry Verhoeven, a lecturer at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Qatar who has written extensively on the politics and international relations of the Horn of Africa.
Somalia Breaks Silence Over the Qatar Crisis
BY DALSAN RADIO
Somalia on Wednesday broke its silence over the ongoing Qatar crisis and asked countries involved to seek dialogue.
“The Federal Republic of Somalia deeply concerned about the diplomatic row between the brotherly Arab countries” a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
“Somalia calls to all countries involved to settle their differences through dialogue ans within the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation” it stated.
The statement further said that Somalia is ready to give a helping hand to resolve the Qatar crisis.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states last week cut ties with Qatar accusing it of funding terror activities in the region.
With more than 7 countries following afterwards to back Riyadh and UAE decision all eyes were on Somalia to know what move it will make.
Recently Somalia backed Saudi Arabia regarding Iran and Sweden but it took time before Somalia spoke on the Qatar crisis.
The Farmaajo administration is said to be enjoying a cordial relation with Doha.
#Qatar a valuable ally & supporter with whom we seek to further strengthen our bilateral ties in all areas of cooperation. @MofaQatar_EN. pic.twitter.com/zahODiz9k0
— Villa Somalia (@TheVillaSomalia) May 25, 2017
Newly appointed Chief Of Staff Fahad Yassin has been said to be Farmaajo’s linkman to Doha with talk that the Gulf State may have partly funded his election campaign.
Qatar TV on Tuesday ran a story on how it had financially backed Somalia over the years in what analyst as a reminder to Farmaajo not to side with Saudi Arabia.
Somalia has for a third day in a row allowed Qatar Airways to use its airspace after banning from Gulf neighbors.
https://twitter.com/Daudoo/status/873188728453378049
In 2016, Saudi Arabia convinced Somalia to cut ties with Iran to get $50 million in aid. Money not yet delivered
ERITREA
Press Release in Arabic on forged Eritrean Foreign Ministry Letterhead on severance of ties btwn major Arab countries & Qatar is #Fakenews pic.twitter.com/h3j9zTkgd4
— Yemane G. Meskel (@hawelti) June 9, 2017
