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 the federal institutions.
His statement is a violation of diplomatic niceties unprecedented in post-World War Two order: a supranational entity is 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?
The Somali Federal Government has not summoned the EU Ambassador to Somalia yet for explanation about the diplomatic disrespect conveyed in Borrel’s statement.
EU has not had a significant role in state-building endeavours in Somalia. While its assistance to the infrastructural development programmes is appreciated, its interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and incendiary diplomacy are unacceptable.
The EU foreign policy exemplified by statement on Somalia is not based on a responsible exercise of hegemonic influence. EU must retract its statement.
© Puntland Post, 2021
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