- By Daud Aweis
“Diplomacy is the artwork of constructing bridges, not partitions.’’ – Chanakya
Somalia continues to obtain important diplomatic milestones with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s profitable go to to Azerbaijan. Throughout this historic journey, the 2 nations cast a number of agreements aimed toward fostering strong cooperation.
Following this, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud journeyed to Ethiopia to participate within the thirty eighth African Union summit. Among the many numerous subjects mentioned on the summit, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti was elected as the brand new chair of the African Union Fee.
These initiatives mirror the federal government’s dedication to strengthening its diplomatic presence and selling the imaginative and prescient of “a brand new Somalia—one which embraces peace, concord, and collaboration each regionally and globally.”
This strategic method not solely goals to boost Somalia’s worldwide relations but additionally paves the way in which for higher financial partnerships and stability within the area. By actively participating with neighboring nations and past, Somalia is positioning itself as a key participant on the diplomatic stage, fostering an atmosphere conducive to development and cooperation.
In a area traditionally marred by political volatility and financial stagnation, Somalia is rising as a testomony to resilience and willpower. By means of a deliberate and dynamic revival of its diplomatic technique, Somalia has transitioned from a turmoil-riddled, periphery nation to turn out to be a key participant in regional and worldwide affairs. By fostering strategic diplomatic partnerships and fascinating with key multilateral organizations, Somalia isn’t solely reshaping its narrative but additionally positioning itself as a catalyst for peace and growth within the Horn of Africa and past.
Diplomatic Success Story: Somalia’s Accession to the East African Neighborhood
One of many hallmarks of Somalia’s diplomatic renaissance is its accession to the East African Neighborhood (EAC). This daring transfer underscores the nation’s dedication to regional integration and financial collaboration. The EAC, a regional bloc that champions commerce, funding, and shared growth objectives, provides Somalia a possibility to solidify its financial basis. For a rustic striving to beat a long time of challenges, the advantages are immense: Entry to a broader market, strengthened ties with neighboring nations, and an enhanced skill to deal with widespread challenges like insecurity and the worldwide financial disaster.
By becoming a member of the EAC, Somalia has despatched a transparent message—it is able to have interaction, cooperate, and thrive as a part of a collective regional imaginative and prescient. Somalia needs to play an element in not solely shaping its personal social, political and financial fortunes, however these of the East African area and past.
Somalia on the United Nations Safety Council: A Voice for the Horn of Africa
Somalia’s current election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Safety Council (UNSC) marks a historic milestone in its worldwide re-engagement. It’s a rubberstamp of approval and recognition from world political gamers This position supplies Somalia with a platform to champion the pursuits of the Horn of Africa, advocating for options to urgent points comparable to conflict-resolution and poverty alleviation. Certainly, worldwide choices typically trickle down and form realities on the bottom. And Somalia’s presence on the UNSC is greater than symbolic—it represents the aspirations of a nation decided to reclaim its place as a contributor to the worldwide peace and safety panorama.
Strategic Partnerships: Turkiye, a pal in deed
Somalia’s revitalized international coverage is characterised by its deepening relationships with key companions comparable to Turkiye. The partnership with Turkiye stands out as a cornerstone of this diplomatic technique. Past army and humanitarian assist, Turkiye’s current plans to ascertain an area program in Somalia spotlight the transformative potential of this alliance. Such initiatives not solely enhance Somalia’s technological and financial aspirations but additionally improve its geopolitical significance. The rocket launch program may place Somalia as a strategic hub for innovation and regional connectivity, demonstrating how diplomacy can translate into tangible progress. It may additionally accrue nice financial advantages comparable to revenue-generation and job creation for Somali residents.
Turkey has repeatedly demonstrated its true friendship with Somalia, from standing with the nation through the devastating famine within the nation in 2011, to offering materials and technical assist. As soon as once more, Turkey has proven that it has Somalia’s greatest pursuits at coronary heart by mediating within the diplomatic dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia. On twelfth December 2024, Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan witnessed the issuance of Ankara Declaration by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia that ended the dispute and wrapped up a year-long tensions. Each leaders displayed exemplary statesmanship.
In January this yr, following the Ankara Declaration, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud would take one more important diplomatic stride, visiting PM Abiy in Ethiopia to additional solidify the settlement. In the course of the go to, the 2 nations agreed to revive full diplomatic relations by means of bodily presence of the envoys within the capital cities. The 2 leaders hailed what they termed as ‘a brand new period of collaborations’ between the 2 nations. Ethiopia despatched its Defence Minister to Mogadishu, additional signaling a return to strong bilateral ties.
Bolstering Somalia-Egypt bilateral ties
Somalia’s relationship with Egypt displays a shared dedication to safety and financial collaboration. The rising tripartite cooperation between Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea is a notable instance of how dialogue can overcome historic tensions. The cooperation settlement is pushed by dialogue and cooperation. By specializing in shared objectives – be it commerce, cultural change, or regional safety – Somalia is reinforcing the concept that partnerships grounded in mutual respect can yield advantages for all.
Just lately, on twenty third January 2025, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Egypt’s capital Cairo. In the course of the go to, the two leaders signed a joint political declaration that’s anticipated to take Somalia-Egypt ties to the subsequent stage. The 2 nations agreed to mutual visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic passports – a transfer that may additional elevate diplomatic, army, cultural and political ties. Egypt has additional demonstrated its brotherhhod by deploying troops to the African Union Stabilization and Assist Mission (AUSSOM).
Somalia’s Diplomacy in Motion: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s Imaginative and prescient
Underneath the management of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia has embraced a proactive method to diplomacy. The president’s current visits to AUSSOM Troop Contributing Nations (TCCs) and Ethiopia are a sign of his administration’s dedication to fostering dialogue and cooperation. His talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, following the Ankara Declaration, mirror Somalia’s nuanced diplomacy. Moderately than specializing in historic tensions, the 2 nations have prioritized points comparable to commerce, border safety, and regional stability—demonstrating that collaboration can pave the way in which for shared prosperity.
Somalia’s diplomatic resurgence provides a compelling mannequin for nations grappling with battle and instability. By prioritizing dialogue, multilateral engagement, and strategic alliances, Somalia is forging a path that balances nationwide pursuits with regional and world obligations. This method not solely elevates Somalia’s standing on the worldwide stage but additionally units a precedent for nations searching for to rebuild by means of diplomacy.
Somalia as a Strategic Companion for Peace and Growth
Somalia’s diplomatic reawakening is greater than an inner transformation; it’s a beacon of hope for the Horn of Africa and past. Because it strengthens its partnerships and amplifies its voice on the worldwide stage, Somalia is carving out a task as a strategic companion within the pursuit of peace, growth, and multilateral cooperation. These efforts are reshaping Somalia’s future whereas contributing to a extra harmonious and affluent regional and world order. The message is evident: Somalia is now not outlined by its challenges however by its willpower to beat them and its imaginative and prescient for a brighter future.
The writer is Somalia’s Minister of Info, Tradition and Tourism
H.E. Daud Aweis
