Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant leap towards enhanced diplomacy, Somalia and Tanzania have signed a series of nine bilateral agreements, a development that reflects the two nations’ commitment to collaboration across diverse sectors. These areas of cooperation include vital themes such as foreign policy coordination, public health, tourism, defense training, education, and civil aviation. Each partnership not only serves to strengthen existing ties but also paves the way for a more integrated economic and cultural landscape.
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This initiative is crucial within the framework of Somalia’s regional engagement strategy and comes at a time when Somalia is serving as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. As the country expands its diplomatic footprint across Africa, these agreements symbolize its aspiration to play a vibrant role on the continental stage.
At the forefront of this diplomatic flurry is Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan, Somalia’s envoy to Tanzania and its Permanent Representative to the East African Community (EAC). Since his appointment in December 2024, he has been instrumental in not just fostering these agreements but also laying a foundation for future collaborations. His scope also extends to Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Mauritius, and the Union of the Comoros. This breadth of engagement raises an interesting question: How can one individual tailor policies to accommodate the unique needs of so many diverse nations?
The renewed phase of bilateral cooperation took shape on December 19, 2024, during a historical visit to Mogadishu by Tanzanian Minister January Yusuf Makamba, marking the first Cabinet-level visit from Tanzania to Somalia in over three decades. This pivotal meeting culminated in the establishment of five foundational Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Not long after, a reciprocal visit saw the then-Somali Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, journeying to Dar es Salaam, continuing the dialogue that had sparked fresh hope.
Fast forward to July 1, 2025, and yet another noteworthy event unfolded: the signing of a strategic civil aviation agreement. This pact is set to enable Air Tanzania to commence direct flights to Mogadishu, promising to enhance connectivity between the two nations by the end of the year. Meanwhile, an educational agreement is slated to kick off in January 2026, ensuring that Somali students gain access to university placements within Tanzania. The impact of such an agreement can be profound; imagine a Somali student embarking on an academic adventure abroad, thereby enriching their knowledge base while contributing to both countries in the long term.
Moreover, a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Kiswahili language has already sparked the development of pilot curricula in Somali schools. This initiative stands as one of the pillars of Somalia’s efforts to integrate further with the East African Community, raising potential for collaboration in education and cultural exchange between the nations. What might our societies look like when cultures interweave so seamlessly?
Ambassador Ilyas has also actively engaged with leaders across the region, presenting his diplomatic credentials to President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, and President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros. Further presentations to the DRC and Mauritius are on the horizon, evidencing sustained diplomatic momentum. It is compelling to think about how each handshake and exchanged word can sow the seeds for myriad possibilities — from economic trade to cultural enrichment.
As Ambassador Ilyas aptly noted, “Diplomacy must translate into real benefits for our people. That is how we demonstrate that Somalia is back in business — as a sovereign, united, and forward-looking state under the leadership of President Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.” These words encapsulate the essence of understanding: that diplomacy is not merely a series of agreements, but real-life implications that elevate the human experience — jobs, education, health, and mutual respect.
Indeed, this tide of agreements reflects Somalia’s growing regional profile and its aspiration to champion a more active role in the political, economic, and cultural arenas of Africa. The true measure of this success will, of course, depend on the tangible benefits that materialize for the people of both nations.
Engagement, collaboration, and understanding are the threads that weave the fabric of international relations. As we track these developments, one can’t help but ponder the question: What remarkable journeys lie ahead as Somalia and Tanzania embark on this shared path?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
