Mogadishu, Somalia — Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi reportedly held talks on Thursday with a British diplomat described as the embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires to discuss expanded defence training, according to an online article that has yet to be corroborated by federal or British statements.
The brief item, circulated on Somali news sites, says Fiqi and an envoy identified as “Sam Thomas” met in the capital to review “UK–Somalia defence partnership and training cooperation. ” No ministry press release, embassy tweet, or photograph has appeared on official channels in the 24 hours since the claimed encounter.
British Government directories list Mike Nithavrianakis as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Somalia; the Deputy Head of Mission post that often acts as Chargé has been filled by rotating staff members, none of whom are named Sam Thomas in public rosters.
The UK mission in Mogadishu, which routinely posts about high — level visits, did not announce any meeting with Fiqi this week. Somalia’s Ministry of Information (SONNA) last reported a British diplomatic visit on 30 December, when Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur received Chargé d’Affaires Ed Barnett to discuss parliamentary cooperation.
That encounter was accompanied by photos and a short communique; no equivalent material has surfaced for the alleged defence talks.
London has financed Somali security — sector reform since 2013, covering salaries, mentoring, and the training of infantry companies for the Somali National Army. British instructors currently work alongside ATMIS troops and EU advisers in Baidoa and Mogadishu.
Any new training package would build on programmes already budgeted into 2026, but officials have not confirmed fresh pledges.
Independent observers say routine contacts between the minister and donors happen often, yet most are publicised within hours. “If a formal meeting on defence cooperation took place, we would expect at least a line on the UK in Somalia social accounts,” a Mogadishu-based analyst noted.
Officials from both governments have not responded to requests for comment.
The agenda, outcome, and even the occurrence of the reported meeting remain undocumented. Further details are expected if either side releases a statement.
Source: sonna.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
