In a startling move, the Donald Trump led US administration has reportedly revoked visas of Somali government officials without warning, Somali Stream can exclusively reveal.
The US States Department has informed Somali Officials that they are immediately barred from entering the United States, a decision coming as Somalia teeters on the edge of political uncertainty ahead of the unclear May 15 elections.
The affected visas include A2 for foreign government officials or employees traveling to the US for official duties, B1 business visas, B2 tourism or visitor visas andG2 for Civil Servants traveling temporarily to the U.S. to attend meetings of a designated international organizations. Senior government officials led by the Speaker of the House of the People Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe and those serving in the Offices of the President and Prime Minister, have been formally notified, putting their planned trips to the United States at serious risk.
The move risks disrupting the travel plans of key officials, including representatives from the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank, who were set to attend the World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington from April 13 to 18.
This unprecedented action which is the first in nearly years, signals deep frustration within the US government over governance and political direction in Somalia. Concerns over credibility, transparency, and ongoing processes are reportedly at an all time high.
Such international unease may extend beyond the United States, raising questions about global confidence in Somali leadership as the President’s mandate reportedly nears its end in less than 50 days.
This US action could severely undermine Somalia’s access to international financial support, military cooperation, and diplomatic engagement, with long term consequences for stability and economic growth.
With Somalia heavily reliant on foreign partnerships, any erosion of trust at this critical juncture threatens to destabilize the government and cast uncertainty over the nation’s political and economic future.