Wednesday October 16, 2024
Italian Ambassador Pier Mario Daccò Coppi discusses the recent suspension of visas for Somali nationals, citing administrative challenges, while travelers holding Somali passports face uncertainty regarding their travel plans. CREDIT: Italy in Somali
Mogadishu (HOL) — Italy has pointed the finger at bureaucratic red tape for its abrupt halt in issuing visas to Somali nationals—a move that left many puzzled. Ambassador Pier Mario Daccò Coppi, in a rare candid statement, dismissed rumours of political maneuvering, attributing the freeze to administrative snags in the visa processing system. The Italian government, he assured, is working to untangle the mess, promising a swift resolution to the ongoing disruption.
Daccò Coppi, speaking from Rome, was quick to quash any speculation that Italy's move was tied to Somalia's political landscape. "This is a temporary administrative pause—nothing more. There is no political angle here," the ambassador said, firmly batting away the notion that Italy might be following a broader geopolitical agenda. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the situation and will resolve it as soon as possible."
The Italian Embassy in Mogadishu made the suspension official in September via a brief post on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that its Nairobi office—which handles visa applications for Somali passport holders—had stopped processing Schengen visas. No explanation was given at the time, but the decision immediately sparked concerns among Somalis looking to travel to Europe.
Though Italy claims the suspension is purely technical, the timing aligns suspiciously with the European Union's wider clampdown on Somali passport holders. In July, the EU recommended tightening visa restrictions for Somali nationals in an effort to push Somalia into accepting the return of individuals who had entered Europe through irregular means.
Daccò Coppi was careful not to explicitly link Italy's decision to the EU's stance, but the connection is difficult to ignore. With migration issues dominating European politics, Italy's visa freeze may be part of a larger, unspoken strategy. However, the ambassador maintained his focus on technicalities, steering clear of the migration debate.
Despite the visa suspension, Daccò Coppi emphasized Italy's long-term commitment to Somalia's development. "We are here to help Somalia progress," he said. "Italy has always been invested in Somalia's future, and that won't change because of temporary administrative hiccups."
Daccò Coppi reiterated that Italy's role in Somalia is strictly developmental, not political. Italy has been involved in a range of projects, from infrastructure development to training Somalia's civil service and security forces. "We want to focus on Somalia's growth. Politics? We leave that to Somali leaders and their government," he added, distancing Italy from any perception of interference.
Daccò Coppi also expressed his desire to visit regional states such as Jubbaland and Puntland, underscoring Italy's intention to engage across Somalia, not just in Mogadishu. "Our commitment spans the entire country," he said, hinting at future collaborations that extend beyond diplomatic formalities.
When asked about the escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, Daccò Coppi didn't mince words. The ambassador described the strained relationship as a missed opportunity for regional cooperation.
"It's unfortunate that this situation escalated. Both Somalia and Ethiopia share deep historical ties, and diplomacy should have prevailed," he said. "Ethiopia has the right to access the sea for trade, and Somalia has every right to maintain control over its coastline. This should have been resolved through diplomatic channels, not in the way it has unfolded."
Though his comments were measured, Daccò Coppi clarified that Italy has no interest in getting involved in the dispute. "We're here to build—not to meddle," he said, closing the door on any possibility of Italy playing a mediating role in the regional conflict.
For now, Italy's visa suspension for Somali nationals remains in place, but the Italian government insists it's working on a solution. Whether this is a short-term administrative hiccup or a sign of deeper, unspoken shifts in European migration policy remains to be seen.
- With files from the BBC Somali Service