Argentina adviser cites UK’s new Muslim MP as justification to reclaim Falklands

In a social-media post, Santiago Caputo, the chief adviser to Argentine President Javier Milei, claimed that the United Kingdom is being “colonised by Islam” after the election of Somali-born Labour MP Sagal Abdi-Wali in London. Caputo argued that this perceived Islamisation constitutes a threat to the West and used it to justify Argentina’s need to assert sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas) in the South Atlantic.

He warned that an “Islamic state” could interfere in the region, echoing Milei’s broader strategy of targeting the islands’ nascent oil sector and fishing industry. The comments arrive as tensions between Buenos Aires and London have risen to levels not seen since the 1982 conflict, with UK officials reiterating support for the 3,600 islanders’ desire to stay British and seeking Interpol assurances against detentions of Falklands workers.

Right-wing journalist Javier Negre amplified the message, highlighting Abdi-Wali’s oath on the Qur’an. The episode underscores the intertwining of domestic UK politics with Argentina’s long-standing sovereignty claim.