Puntland Diaspora Forum (PDF) initiated a thorough fact finding investigation to understand the reasons behind the closure of the Embassies.

The outcome of the PDF investigation confirms that the closure of these embassies will have far-reaching consequences on Somalia's diplomatic relations with the rest of the world. It just does not make sense to take such a hasty decision on an issue of such great importance. PDF is appealing to the President of TFG, Sheikh Sharif Sh. Ahmed, to respect the constitution of Federalism and the affirmative duties of co-operation that the respective parties in Federal system and Somali citizens at large owe to each other. The Embassies should not be closed because of the following vital and imperative reasons:

Closing the embassies will damage the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Somalia and the nations where these embassies are located. It will also create obstacles to solicit support from the international community, such as the United Nations (UN) in Geneva and the government of France, a member of Security Council holding veto power.

PDF believes that closing Embassies will have nothing to do with budget allocations but with an ulterior motive to sell and auction off the very few remaining overseas assets of the Somali people (which are estimated to be worth millions of dollars) for personal gain.

We urge all Somali people, TFG members and its intellectuals to stand up against the looting and defend our national assets.

As it is already clear in Somalia, it is easy to destroy than to rebuild. Therefore, we remind our patriots and the Somali people that closing these Embassies are as easy as signing a paper with a stroke of a mindless pen but reopening these Embassies would require overcoming many procedural and diplomatic hurdles in the future. The Eight Embassies that the TFG is planning to close are providing invaluable services to the nation and to the Somali Diaspora including advocating in the international arena the interest of the Somali people. Moreover these Embassies act as key national symbols and kept the Somali banner in important diplomatic circles.

PDF is paying close attention to the issue and we are deeply concerned that this type of decision might destroy the respect we have built and achieved for a period of time.

The closure is against the spirit and the objectives of Federalism and of preserving the image of our country. It will have negative repercussions that will affect Somali citizens and the future governments of Somalia.

Furthermore, the TFG's decision has dampened our high expectations from the current government to rebuild and enhance our diplomatic standing with the rest of the world. We are calling upon the TFG led by President Sheikh Sharif and its Prime Minister Omar Abdulrashid to reject the proposed closure of the Embassies. We strongly remind the TFG that if they go ahead with the decision passed by their cabinet, it will go down in history as a dark act that will undermine the future interest of the Somali nation.

We are calling all Somali people wherever they are to stand up to defend our treasures, dignity, and the existence of Somali State. We are also calling all Somali Diaspora to closely watch this situation, stand firm and push back the sinister decision taken by the TFG to damage our national dignity by closing the eight Embassies.

As a final but crucial step, PDF will take any and every necessary legal action against the TFG and any private or public entity that buys or sells these national assets.

PDF Media Relations