Kosovo has sought urgent clarification from Somalia after nine members of an official delegation failed to appear for their scheduled departure from Prishtina…reports Africa Daily News Desk
Kosovo has raised serious concerns over the whereabouts and safety of nine members of a Somali delegation who reportedly left their accommodation during an official visit but failed to appear for their scheduled departure from the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora has formally requested clarification from Somali authorities, saying it has been unable to establish the individuals’ current location or condition.
In a diplomatic note dated October 30, Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora said the nine individuals were part of a delegation that visited the Republic of Kosovo between October 25 and 28, 2026. The ministry said it was seeking reliable information about their whereabouts, circumstances and safety.
The delegation arrived in Kosovo on October 25 at 7.45pm on a Turkish Airlines flight. It was led by Said Mohamed Mohamud, Somalia’s Minister of Public Works and Housing, and included Deputy Minister Fartun Abdikadir Farah, along with other representatives and members.
The ministry said Kosovo had made arrangements to support the delegation during its visit, including reception at Prishtina International Airport, assistance throughout its stay and coordination of the official programme.
Where did the nine delegation members go?
According to the note, the nine individuals checked out of their accommodation at Dua Village on the evening of October 27, at approximately 7.10pm, without informing the authorities responsible for accompanying them.
The departure came as preparations were under way for the continuation of the delegation’s programme and its scheduled transfer to the airport on October 28.
Preliminary inquiries indicated that the nine individuals had left the accommodation independently and may have travelled to another location within Kosovo. However, the ministry said this information had not been independently confirmed and did not establish where they had gone afterwards.
Despite efforts by Kosovo’s State Protocol Department to obtain clarification through communication with senior representatives of the delegation, no concrete information about the nine individuals’ whereabouts had been received.
The ministry confirmed that Minister Said Mohamed Mohamud left Kosovo in the early hours of October 28, while Deputy Minister Fartun Abdikadir Farah departed later that evening in accordance with the planned itinerary.
However, the other nine members did not report for departure through the VIP Terminal of Prishtina International Airport as scheduled. At the time the diplomatic note was drafted, Kosovo’s Foreign Ministry said it had no confirmed information about their whereabouts, place of residence, status or possible departure from the country.
The ministry also clarified that Mursal Hosh Abdille, whose name appeared on a list previously communicated for entry facilitation, had not travelled to Kosovo as part of the delegation.
Kosovo raises safety concerns
Beyond the institutional and protocol-related issues, Kosovo expressed concern about the safety and well-being of the nine individuals, given that their whereabouts and condition remained unconfirmed.
The ministry said its request for clarification was made in the spirit of institutional responsibility, humanitarian concern and cooperation between the two countries. It stressed that it was not seeking to prejudge the circumstances surrounding their departure or their current status.
Kosovo called on the competent authorities in Somalia to provide, at the earliest opportunity, reliable information about the individuals’ whereabouts, condition and safety.
It also requested that the Somali authorities give the matter their highest level of attention and priority, and share any information that could help establish what happened to the nine members.
The ministry said it would appreciate prompt cooperation and a timely response from Somali authorities, citing the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter.
It reiterated Kosovo’s commitment to developing friendly relations with Somalia, highlighting the importance of open communication, transparency and respect for institutional procedures during official visits.
The diplomatic note was addressed to Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Mogadishu.
