MOGADISHU, Somalia — Former Somali intelligence chief Fahad Yasin criticized Somalia’s decision to support U.N. sanctions on Iran, calling it a “national disgrace.”
In a tweet Saturday, Fahad warned the government’s move would leave a lasting negative mark on Somalia’s foreign policy history and reputation.
He said Somalia should not back sanctions against a fellow Muslim country, accusing the government of ignoring the Somali people’s interests and feelings.
Fahad urged Somalia to either support fellow Muslim nations or remain silent to avoid damaging relationships and national dignity in international affairs.
His comments followed Friday’s U.N. Security Council vote, where Somalia, a nonpermanent member, backed a U.S.-led effort to reinstate sanctions on Iran.
Russia, China, Algeria, and Pakistan voted against the sanctions, while two countries abstained, opposing the resolution to continue easing restrictions on Iran.
The snapback mechanism was triggered, which will reinstate all sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal by Sept. 28 unless diplomatic solutions emerge.
Iran denounced the vote as politically motivated and illegal, while Western countries insisted Iran’s nuclear program threatens international peace and security worldwide.
Iran’s U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, called the action rushed and a violation of international law, declaring Iran is not obligated to comply.
The 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal allowed Iran to limit nuclear activities in exchange for sanction relief, but collapsed in 2018 after U.S. withdrawal.
