Ambassador Henk Jan Bakker - Somalia
Meet the Ambassador - Henk Jan Bakker
Since 2024, Henk Jan Bakker has served as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the largest Dutch embassy in Africa. In September 2025, he presented his letters of credence to H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. In the following interview he will tell you more about his experience as Ambassador and the relations of the Netherlands to Somalia.
What first struck you when you were appointed ambassador to Somalia?
Before being appointed as Ambassador to Kenya and accredited to Somalia, I previously served as Ambassador to Uganda and Ethiopia. This new posting represents a continuation of my engagement with the Horn of Africa, allowing me to deepen my understanding of the region as a whole. While serving in Ethiopia, I became quite familiar with the Somali region and its dynamics, and from that point, I developed a strong and lasting interest in Somalia. I was therefore very pleased and honored to be appointed as Ambassador to Somalia as well.
You recently presented your credentials to the President of Somalia. How was your first trip to Mogadishu?
My first visit to Somalia was very brief. I was in Mogadishu for only 24 hours, primarily to present my credentials to His Excellency, the President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. I had a very good meeting with him, during which we discussed several issues of mutual importance to our two countries including development cooperation, humanitarian assistance, and the strengthening of our bilateral relations.
Upon arrival in Mogadishu, the security situation is immediately apparent. It brought to mind my experience as Ambassador to Afghanistan, where we similarly had to navigate strict security measures, highlighting the complexities of working in such environments. Especially as the embassy is located in Nairobi, Kenya, I haven’t seen much of Somalia yet. The visit was a fascinating first impression! I look forward to discovering more of the country in the years ahead and hope to spend additional time not only in Mogadishu but also in other regions of Somalia, learning more about its people and their rich culture.
You have worked for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1992. What inspired you at the start of your diplomatic career, and has that changed?
I joined the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the hope of embracing an adventurous life and having the opportunity to see the world. This aspiration has certainly materialized over the past three decades. My diplomatic career has taken me to different continents and countries, each with its own challenges and rewards.
Yet, beyond the personal experiences, what continues to inspire me is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Whether it involves strengthening bilateral relations between the Netherlands and my host country, supporting peace and development initiatives, or contributing to the lives of the people I work with, the essence of diplomacy remains to make a difference. I hope that, over the course of my career, I have been able to achieve that, at least in part.
How would you describe relations between the Netherlands and Somalia?
Relations between the Netherlands and Somalia are strong and constructive. While the two countries are geographically distant, the Netherlands is home to a significant Somali diaspora. Many Somalis have made the Netherlands their home and became Dutch citizens. Notably, some have gone on to careers in diplomacy.
The Netherlands is committed to supporting Somalia during this challenging period in its history, providing political backing, financial assistance, and development programs. While our bilateral relations are solid, there is always more that can be done. There are numerous important issues on the political agenda, and I look forward to working on these in the years ahead.
How do you relax after a long day of work?
Evenings can often be busy with events such as dinners, receptions, or official functions, so I value having some quiet time to unwind. I am an enthusiastic reader, particularly of fiction novels. I find that immersing myself in a book allows me to relax and step into a completely different world. It is a simple way to recharge, providing a balance to the demands of diplomatic life.
