A photo of Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle, meeting with Somali entrepreneurs on September 11, 2025, PHOTO/Somalia in Kenya

A diplomatic row has erupted between the Somali Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya following the visit of Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle, to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Somali Embassy in Tanzania, on September 11, stated that the Embassy was unaware of the trip reportedly led by the Kenyan Ambassador and Somali businessmen to Kinshasa.

Additionally, the Somali Embassy in Tanzania noted that the objectives of the trip went beyond standard diplomatic protocols and the oversight of the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The embassy in Tanzania proves that the Congo DRC  is responsible for the interest of the government and the people, the trip that was said to be led by the Kenyan Ambassador and Somali businessmen who went to Kinshasa, even though the embassy did not share the information about his trip and their objective which is beyond the law of diplomacy and that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” read the statement from Somali Embassy – Tanzania.

Ambassador Jibril Speaks

However, Ambassador Jibril Ibrahim defended the trip, saying it aimed to strengthen trade relations and support Somali entrepreneurs.

He noted that he met with Congolese government officials and local business leaders during the visit.

This disagreement highlights a deeper struggle over who has the authority to represent Somalia’s interests in the DRC. 

Kenya-Tanzania Somali Embassy Diplomatic Tension

According to the Somali Embassy in Kenya, the delegation of businessmen, led by Ambassador Jibril, was part of a coordinated effort with the DRC embassy in Kenya to facilitate trade, resolve challenges faced by Somali entrepreneurs, and encourage investment opportunities in the region.

The mission included meetings with government departments, commercial centres, banks, and existing Somali business operators in DRC.

“Most of the Somali businessmen who trade in DRC Congo have their business directly connected to Kenya, like petroleum, cars that are in Congo, Kenya, Zambia, and South Sudan. Entrepreneurs face different challenges and difficulties, which need help,” the Somali Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, wrote.

“So the Somali embassy in Kenya and the embassy of the DRC Congo in Kenya organized this trip together to discuss information, facilitating the business of the Somali people and encouraging business opportunities that the Somali businessmen can benefit from.”

The embassy also highlighted that previous efforts have successfully helped release Somali businessmen who were detained in DRC, reflecting ongoing collaboration to protect and advance Somali trade interests across Africa.

The Somali embassy in Kenya added that it has already succeeded in releasing Somali businessmen who were arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“The Somali embassy in Kenya has already succeeded in releasing Somali businessmen who were arrested in the DRC,” read part of the statement.

“There will also be meetings with the Somali businessmen who are currently doing business in DRC Congo, to focus on the challenges facing the traders and how to deal with them.”