Somalia requests greater share of senior positions in Arab League

Somalia has asked the Arab League to increase its representation in senior positions within the organisation, including leadership roles and permanent staffing positions.

The request was made by Somalia’s Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League, Ali Abdi Aware, on Thursday, during a working visit with Arab League Secretary General Nabil Fahmi in Cairo.

“Ambassador Aware also requested that Somalia be given its share of the staff in the Arab League in the senior ranks such as Heads of Missions and permanent staff,” the Somali Embassy in Cairo said in a statement on Facebook.

The statement did not provide details on the number of positions Somalia is seeking or the current level of Somali representation among Arab League staff.

The Arab League, established in 1945, is a regional organisation that brings together Arab states to coordinate cooperation and joint positions on political, economic, social and cultural issues in the Middle East and parts of Africa. The organisation is headquartered in Cairo and has 22 member states.

The organisation serves as a forum for member states to discuss regional challenges, develop common positions and promote cooperation on issues affecting the Arab world. Somalia joined the Arab League in 1974 and has participated in its activities alongside other member states, maintaining diplomatic engagement with Arab countries through the regional body.

During the meeting, Ali similarly briefed the Arab League Secretary General on the situation in Somalia and discussed ways of strengthening cooperation between Somalia and the organisation. The ambassador also conveyed greetings and congratulations from Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, according to the statement.

“Ambassador Aware also told him that they would work together to strengthen and cooperate with Arab interests,” the embassy said.

On his part, the Arab League Secretary General thanked the Somali envoy for the visit and assured him that the organisation would closely monitor Somalia’s affairs and give priority to the ambassador’s requests.