Zelensky appoints Ukraine’s Kenya ambassador to also represent Kyiv in Somalia

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed the country’s ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Lyubomyrovych Tokar, as Ukraine’s ambassador to Somalia, according to a presidential decree issued on August 11.

Tokar will serve concurrently in both countries, meaning Ukraine has not appointed a separate resident ambassador to Somalia in Mogadishu.

The decision was formalised in presidential decree No. 717/2026, published on the official website of the Ukrainian presidency. Under the decree, Tokar, who currently represents Ukraine in Kenya, will also be accredited as ambassador to the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The appointment comes as Ukraine seeks to strengthen its diplomatic engagement with African countries, including through political, economic and security cooperation.

Somalia’s strategic position linking the Horn of Africa with the Red Sea and Indian Ocean has also increased its importance to international powers, potentially giving greater weight to diplomatic ties between Mogadishu and Kyiv.

Tokar’s concurrent accreditation means he will represent Ukrainian diplomatic interests in both Kenya and Somalia, while relations with Somalia will continue to be managed without a separate resident Ukrainian ambassador in Mogadishu.

GAROWE ONLINE