In an intriguing turn of events, Tanzania and Somalia have embarked on a groundbreaking partnership that marks a fresh chapter in their diplomatic interactions.
Historically, despite having established diplomatic links, both countries kept each other at arm’s length until, you guessed it, this year. The relationship took on new dimensions after Somalia joined the East African Community (EAC) as the eighth member in December 2023.
Making moves in this diplomatic shuffle, Somalia has dispatched one of its heavyweight politicians, Ilyas Ali Hassan, to serve as its ambassador to both Tanzania and the EAC. Rocking titles such as former Minister, Senator, and Chairman of the National Resource Committee of the Senate, Hassan’s appointment symbolizes Somalia’s newfound zeal for closer ties.
During a high-powered visit by Tanzanian bigwigs to Mogadishu, prospects of rekindled friendship were further cemented. Led by Tanzania’s own Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the delegation included key figures from intelligence, defense, and other ministerial sectors. Engaging in serious talks with the Somali leadership, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, both nations inked five crucial deals. These agreements span a wide array of sectors such as tourism, health, environmental conservation, education, trade, immigration, and security.
In the words of Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan himself, “This partnership is a beacon of our mutual dreams—to enhance bilateral camaraderie, amplify regional unity, and steer toward stability and prosperity. Hand in hand, we aspire to fortify these bonds, aiming for a brighter future for our countries and the broader neighborhood.”
Further nods came from Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, who lauded Ambassador Hassan’s dynamic and brisk action following the team’s visit. Both Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Fiqi and Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Kombo echoed these sentiments, praising Hassan’s swift impact, emphasizing him as a model for Somali diplomats worldwide.
Here’s a snapshot: Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, following a warm reception, met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during their substantial visit to Mogadishu.
One of the iconic changes on the horizon includes the reintroduction of direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Mogadishu. This move promises to trim not just travel times but also costs, now relieved from the detour through Nairobi or Addis Ababa. Enhanced air connectivity is poised to spark economic growth by leaps and bounds.
The accords further embody a mutual dedication to bolstering bilateral trade and ramping up the flux of people and goods. As lively members of the East African Community, both nations tirelessly back the agenda of free movement, though Somalia needs to meet specific criteria to enjoy full integration benefits.
Security concerns round out this budding alliance’s priorities, with Tanzania and Somalia pairing up to tackle hot issues such as counterterrorism and legal migration oversight. Tanzania offers an open hand to Somali agencies in beefing up border patrol and law enforcement, alongside providing coveted scholarships to Somali students. These efforts aim at cracking down on transnational organized crime and improving migration management, smoothing over past hiccups when Tanzania had to deport numerous Somali migrants due to improper documentation.
Anticipating next year, both nations are slated to breathe new life into the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMCC)—a bilateral platform left dormant since the bygone days of Siad Barre over three decades ago. The mechanism will nurture continuous dialogue and confront emerging challenges head-on.
This revitalized camaraderie heralds a hopeful leap toward regional cohesion and stability, underscoring a united commitment to collaborative progress. As Somalia steadily weaves its way back into the global tapestry post years of upheaval, its dynamic agreements and the forward-thinking stance of Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan shine a spotlight on an exhilarating episode in Tanzanian-Somali relations. This evolving partnership teems with potential, paving avenues for mutual enrichment and regional evolution into an interconnected and thriving future.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
