Harriet Mathews

Harriet Mathews

British Ambassador to Somalia

Part of UK in Somalia

1st September 2016 Mogadishu, Somalia

Somalia: Home away from home

Lots of people I meet are curious about life in the Embassy. It’s a bit of a mystery to those who haven’t experienced it. We are a couple of dozen people ‘packed’ into a rectangle the size of a football field where we work, eat, exercise and sleep. There isn’t a lot of room, and you get to know people very well.  It lacks the glamour of other posts, but it has meant that we are a close group of people that watch out for each other.

Some of you may know that at the start of August my mother died. With no questions, a colleague booked flights so that I could be with her at the end, and to have some time with my father and sister.  My deputy delayed his holiday and the Head of the DFID gave up his weekend so Embassy life could continue. No one made me feel guilty that I was away when the new Africa Minister, Tobias Ellwood, visited Somalia for the first time – his first overseas trip since being appointed.

I‘ve had wonderful messages of support from members of the Embassy and Somali friends alike. It has it’s made me appreciate quite how special and privileged I am to be working in Mogadishu for an organisation that looks after its own and in a country where family really matters – and where Somalis, with their nomadic tradition, understand what it is to be far from family.

I’ve long marveled at the culture of hospitality that is ingrained in all Somalis. I’ve experienced it in every part of Somalia (and indeed Somali communities throughout the UK) that I have visited, being invited into people’s homes, and offered hospitality from people who have almost nothing.  Somalis have lost families through war and violence, and continue to do so, yet these last couple of weeks they have taken the time  to offer their condolences and words of comfort – and have shown me that they understand death, and that it is a time of sadness, but not despair.

So this blog is to say thank you.  At the same time as I was half-orphaned, I found a different sense of belonging.

7 comments on “Somalia: Home away from home

  1. Your Excellency ambassador Harriet Mathews, greetings from Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland, home of peace and freedom. We wish United Kingdom will come one day in Hargeisa and re-open their historical links.

  2. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Hope you all enjoy your new packed out home in Mogadishu!
    You all are there for a purpose and witness a nation/people endured a never ending pain…

  3. What a lovely blog. I’m sorry to hear about your Mum. Congratulations on all that you and your team are achieving.

  4. You’re welcome sister on behalf of the Somali community in the non governmental organizations fraternity. Sorry about your loss. May your mum rest in peace. Thanks also to the department for international development for it’s support to the community. You have made alot possible. It’s dedicated personnel whose assistance for orphans and widowed mothers have made dreams possible. If you may need to be with someone especially a mother you can always knock your somali neighbors door. You might not be served with the Best of foods but they will comfort you and pray for your beloved mother. God bless Her soul.

    Sincerely,
    Ali.
    Your Somali brother.

  5. Harriet Mathews we wish that we will reward you when time comes, before that let us work together three thinks.
    Justice, corruption and security.

    Best regards

Comments are closed.

About Harriet Mathews

Ms Mathews joined the FCO in 1997 and most recently headed the Ebola Task Force. Ms Mathews is an Africa specialist and has held three other positions related to Africa,…

Ms Mathews joined the FCO in 1997 and most recently headed the Ebola Task Force. Ms Mathews is an Africa specialist and has held three other positions related to Africa, including the Head of East and West Africa Department. Ms Mathews has also been Head of Energy in the Foreign Office and has worked in Brazil, Israel and Afghanistan. She was awarded the OBE in 2005 for her work on West Africa.

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