Somalia declared Tuesday top U.N. envoy Nicholas Haysom “persona non grata” alleging he is shaming the organization by acting like ruler of the country.
A foreign ministry statement accused Haysom of violating Somalia’s sovereignty amid questions over the arrest of Mukhtar Robow on December 13 and deaths of fifteen civilians during the demonstration on 13, 14 and 15 December. About 300 people were also detained.
The arrest sparked clashes between Somalia forces and militiamen loyal to Robow, who is a former member of al-Shabab and was blocked to run for president for Somalia’s South West state in an election in November.
On December 30 Haysom questioned Somalia government on legal basis for the arrest of Robow and also the subsequent crackdown on demonstrators in Baidoa. He urged for prompt and thorough investigation.
Currently Somalia is heavily dependent on foreign aid and UN provides the country’s forces training, uniforms and stipends. The army is battling against the al-Shabab group.
It is not yet know whether Somalia government replied to the letter of Haysom and lately the country’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Isse Awad announced US envoy will no longer be welcomed in the country.
He added, “Mr Haysom has violated diplomatic rules, and acted as though he is the head or the ruler of Somalia. He is a shame to the conduct of the UN and has violated the sovereignty and independence of Somalia.”
Haysom has earlier served as UN envoy to South Sudan, Sudan and Afghanistan. Prior to it he was a legal adviser to South African president Nelson Mandela.
Haysom is a South African citizen.
