Somali ambassador becomes first envoy to present credentials in Sudan since war began

Saturday August 15, 2026

Khartoum (HOL) — Somalia’s Ambassador to Sudan, Ahmed Jama Omar, has become the first foreign envoy to present his credentials at Sudan’s presidential palace in Khartoum since the outbreak of the country’s war,

Somali state media reported on Friday. Ambassador Ahmed Jama presented his credentials to Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council and commander-in-chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces

Somali state media described the move as a reflection of the longstanding ties between Somalia and Sudan.
“The fact that our ambassador is the first ambassador to present his credentials at the Khartoum Presidency reflects the deep ties between Somalia and Sudan,” the report said.

The presentation marks a diplomatic development as Sudan continues to grapple with a conflict that has severely disrupted government operations and diplomatic activities in Khartoum.

The Somali Embassy in Khartoum has also faced disruptions and security incidents since fighting began between Sudan’s
armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In 2023, former Somali Ambassador to Sudan Mohamed Sheikh Isaac said fighters had looted his residence in Khartoum and taken vehicles belonging to the Somali Embassy. The conflict has also created significant risks for foreign diplomats. Diplomatic missions and
personnel have faced attacks and other security incidents since fighting broke out.

The war began on April 15, 2023, after tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF escalated into open fighting. The
conflict followed disagreements over a plan to integrate the paramilitary force into Sudan’s regular military as part of a transition
to civilian rule.

Sudan’s conflict has displaced millions of people and caused widespread destruction, while Khartoum has remained one of
the main areas affected by the fighting.

The presentation of credentials by Somalia’s ambassador signals continued diplomatic engagement between Mogadishu and Khartoum despite the security challenges facing Sudan.