Somalia’s former PM Denied Diplomatic Passport, Travels to South Africa on Swedish papers..

Former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble arrived in South Africa on Thursday after the Somali government blocked him from obtaining diplomatic passport clearance, raising questions about political maneuvering in Mogadishu, The entire group reportedly used European passports, underlining the Somali government’s decision to withhold diplomatic travel privileges…

Roble, who landed at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, travelled using his Swedish passport, which he holds as a naturalized citizen. He was accompanied by a delegation that included former Minister of Education Abdullahi Arab, former State Minister for Planning Gaani, and former Banadir regional secretary-general Xiireey.

Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not publicly commented on its decision, but the move has triggered sharp criticism on social media. Political observers and opposition figures argue that blocking a former prime minister from obtaining a diplomatic passport is an unprecedented step that could signal growing political divisions in Somalia’s leadership.

Roble’s trip comes at the invitation of the Somali diaspora in South Africa, where he is expected to discuss Somalia’s ongoing political challenges. His visit coincides with heightened tensions in Mogadishu over electoral disputes and constitutional reforms, which have deepened rivalries among political factions.

Over the past 24 hours, public backlash has mounted against the Somali government, with critics accusing officials of selectively weaponizing bureaucratic procedures to marginalize political figures. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to provide an official statement.