The recent article published by African Good Governance is a textbook example of sensationalist and misleading journalism. The publication, which has a history of promoting conspiracy theories and fabricating narratives, has once again launched an unfounded attack—this time against Ambassador Mohamed Siad Dualeh.
The accusations that Ambassador Dualeh is orchestrating a covert campaign to rally ethnic Somali support for a potential Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict are not only absurd but also reckless. These baseless claims lack any verifiable evidence and serve only to stoke unnecessary tensions in an already fragile region. The article irresponsibly misinterprets diplomatic engagement as warmongering, demonstrating a complete lack of understanding of diplomatic norms and international relations.
The article relies on anonymous sources and speculative analysis rather than factual reporting. It suggests that Ambassador Dualeh has been holding secret meetings with Somali diaspora members in Washington, D.C., to push for military action. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim—only vague references to unnamed “attendees” and “community leaders”. Such journalism is not only unprofessional but also defamatory. The publication fails to provide any verifiable facts, and instead, it attempts to weave a narrative based on conjecture and misleading interpretations. This pattern of misinformation is a recurring issue with African Good Governance, a platform notorious for sensationalism and lack of journalistic integrity. This is not the first time the publication has manufactured controversy to gain attention, and unfortunately, it continues to operate without accountability.
Diplomats are expected to engage with diaspora communities to discuss economic, social, and political issues affecting their home countries. Ambassador Dualeh’s meetings with Djibouti diaspora members are part of his legitimate diplomatic responsibilities, not a covert military mobilisation. Misrepresenting such engagements as preparations for war is a deliberate attempt to distort reality and mislead the public. These meetings are a normal function of any ambassador’s duties, fostering stronger ties between the homeland and its citizens abroad. In fact, engagement with the diaspora has been a fundamental pillar of Djibouti’s diplomatic efforts for decades, as it allows government representatives to hear directly from citizens who contribute significantly to their country’s economy and social development. The attempt to twist such engagements into a fabricated conspiracy is a gross misrepresentation of reality.
The article’s narrative irresponsibly amplifies unverified claims, which could escalate tensions in the Horn of Africa. Accusing a sitting ambassador of secretly plotting a military campaign without evidence is not only defamatory but also a dangerous provocation. The region has suffered enough from misinformation-fuelled conflicts, and publications like African Good Governance must be held accountable for spreading falsehoods that can have real-world consequences. In an era where disinformation campaigns can have severe consequences, it is reckless to print baseless allegations that could further strain regional relationships. The article fails to take responsibility for the potential ramifications of its claims, instead prioritising sensationalism over facts.
The Horn of Africa is a complex region with various geopolitical interests at play. Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the Red Sea, Eritrea’s territorial ambitions, and Djibouti’s strategic positioning as a regional trade hub are all well-documented realities. However, conflating legitimate diplomatic discussions with covert military schemes is a gross misrepresentation of the situation. The international community has recognised Djibouti as a stabilising force in the region, hosting numerous foreign military bases that contribute to maritime security and counter-terrorism efforts. Ambassador Dualeh’s diplomatic mission is aligned with these principles, working toward cooperation and stability rather than conflict. The suggestion that he would act in direct contradiction to these objectives is not only illogical but also an insult to the efforts of Djibouti’s diplomatic corps.
Djibouti has long been a champion of regional peace and economic cooperation. Its government has played a crucial role in hosting military bases that contribute to international security efforts in the Red Sea. Ambassador Dualeh, as a representative of Djibouti, has upheld these principles and has never engaged in any activities that would destabilise the region. The accusations levied against him contradict the established reputation of Djibouti as a nation committed to peaceful resolutions and regional diplomacy. Moreover, Djibouti has consistently engaged in peace negotiations, including serving as a mediator in past disputes within the region. To suggest that its ambassador would undermine this long-standing role is absurd and completely devoid of logic.
Publications like African Good Governance must uphold journalistic ethics by verifying their sources, avoiding sensationalism, and providing balanced reporting. The reckless dissemination of misinformation, as seen in this article, only serves to erode trust in the media and sow discord among communities. Instead of functioning as a credible news outlet, African Good Governance has demonstrated time and again that it operates as a platform for rumour-mongering and political agendas. Journalism should serve the purpose of informing the public with truth and integrity, not fabricating narratives to mislead readers.
Ambassador Mohamed Siad Dualeh has been unfairly targeted by baseless allegations that serve no purpose other than to create unnecessary controversy. It is imperative that readers critically assess the sources of their information and reject propaganda that seeks to manipulate public perception. The real focus should be on fostering constructive dialogue, economic collaboration, and diplomatic solutions that contribute to long-term stability in the Horn of Africa. It is disappointing that rather than highlighting the efforts of diplomats who are working tirelessly to strengthen international cooperation, African Good Governance has chosen to engage in a smear campaign rooted in fabrication.
The article is not just an attack on Ambassador Dualeh but an attack on responsible journalism and truth itself. It exemplifies the worst aspects of modern media—where sensationalism triumphs over facts, and misinformation is weaponised for political or personal gain. If African Good Governance truly valued journalistic integrity, it would issue a retraction and publicly acknowledge its mistake. However, given its history, such an expectation seems unrealistic. Instead, it is up to the readers and the global diplomatic community to call out such reckless journalism and hold these publications accountable.
The international diplomatic sphere has always been a complex and challenging arena, but misinformation only serves to make it more difficult. The irresponsible reporting by African Good Governance is a disservice not only to Ambassador Dualeh but also to those who rely on the media for accurate and objective information. It is essential that false narratives be challenged with facts and those who spread disinformation be exposed for their lack of credibility. The public deserves better than a publication that has made a habit of printing conspiracies and half-truths, and it is high time that outlets like African Good Governance are recognised for what they truly are—purveyors of fiction, not journalism.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed on this page are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official position or stance of the House of Assembly (Horn Intelligence) or any affiliated organisation. The opinions presented here are based on the author’s personal research, analysis, and perspectives on the topic
