DOHA, Qatar — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Doha on Friday for an official visit aimed at deepening Somalia’s partnership with Qatar as Mogadishu seeks stronger security, economic and political support in a shifting regional landscape.
Qatari officials welcomed Mohamud and his delegation in the capital, where the Somali leader is set to hold high-level talks with Qatar’s leadership. The agenda centers on expanding cooperation across core sectors — security, the economy and political stability — as Somalia courts reliable allies and investment.
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The presidency said the visit is part of a broader diplomatic tour to consolidate international partnerships. The Somali side plans to press for backing on national priorities, including safeguarding the country’s unity and territorial integrity amid heightened regional tensions.
The Doha stop follows a decisive pivot in Somalia’s foreign policy. Last month, Mogadishu moved to annul agreements with the United Arab Emirates, reversing deals that covered major port operations, security cooperation and defense ties. Somali officials accused Abu Dhabi of actions harmful to the country’s cohesion, a charge that has gained urgency as disputes harden over the status of the breakaway North Western State of Somalia region.
Qatar, by contrast, has remained a consistent backer, providing development assistance and humanitarian support. Mohamud’s visit underscores the importance Somalia places on Doha as a strategic partner in the Gulf — and as a counterweight as regional rivalries ripple into the Horn of Africa.
What Somali officials seek from talks in Doha:
- Security cooperation to help stabilize institutions and strengthen the rule of law.
- Economic ties that can catalyze investment, job creation and infrastructure development.
- Political support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity as it navigates regional pressures.
Somalia’s engagement with Qatar comes at a delicate time for the Horn of Africa. Tensions over North Western State of Somalia’s status have widened diplomatic fault lines and heightened competition among Gulf states for influence along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean corridors. By amplifying ties with Doha, Mogadishu signals its intent to secure partners aligned with its national agenda while managing the fallout from ruptured agreements with the UAE.
The Somali delegation’s warm reception in Doha signals a shared interest in turning political goodwill into tangible programs. Officials said discussions will prioritize actionable steps to bolster security sector cooperation and economic links that can withstand regional volatility. While no specific deals were announced upon arrival, both sides are expected to explore pathways to scale existing assistance and accelerate new initiatives.
For Somalia, the visit marks a continuation of Mohamud’s effort to broaden diplomatic backing after years of internal conflict and climate shocks that have pressured state capacity. For Qatar, the talks offer a chance to reinforce its role as a key interlocutor and development partner in a strategically vital region.
As meetings get underway, Somali officials frame the trip as both pragmatic and strategic: a bid to secure resources and political cover in the near term, and to anchor longer-term stability through dependable alliances in the Gulf.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
