- Somalia has signed multiple socio-economic, and security pacts with Tanzania.
- In the agreements, Somalia asserts commitment to regional development, security
- Somalia looking to rebuild image, enhance regional cooperation and trade with its East African trading partners.
Somalia is steadily carving out a key role within the East African Community bloc under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Despite being a latecomer to the bloc, the nation is making decisive strides toward regional diplomatic leadership.
In the latest development, Somalia has deepened its regional ties by signing five key economic agreements with Tanzania, marking a new chapter in the two countries’ bilateral relations. These memoranda of understanding (MOUs) span critical sectors such as foreign affairs, health, tourism, defense, and education, underscoring a shared commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development.
The event was chaired by Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Saalax Ahmed Jaamac, who seized the opportunity to underscore Somalia’s increasing role in regional diplomacy and its regional development endeavours.
The agreements and subsequent on ground work is all thanks to Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who has been working tirelessly to build Somalia’s economic and political stability as well as change the overall bad picture that the country has long reflected.
Somalia’s president Mohamud visited Tanzania earlier this year where he was hosted by the country’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the two leaders shared a common vision for the development and stability of East Africa.
Signed in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, the pact covers cooperation in a range of sectors including but not limited to defense, tourism, health, aviation, and sectorial cooperation.
In tourism, the agreement will among other things, serve to promote Tanzania’s attractions like Zanzibar and Mount Kilimanjaro on one hand, and Somalia’s emerging cultural heritage sites on the other.
“Cultural exchanges are expected to foster mutual understanding and appreciation between the peoples of both countries,” reads the report.
Likewise in the health sector, the agreement will see the two countries conduct medical training, share expertise, and manage public health crises together given the lessons learnt from recent regional pandemics.
“For the health sector, the two countries will conduct joint research projects, share medical resources, and coordinate responses to health emergencies together,” detailed the report.
As for the transport sector; “One of the most anticipated aspects of the deal is the establishment of direct flights between Mogadishu and Dar es Salaam,” it was announced.
The report expounded that direct flights will not only boost trade but also simplify travel for business, tourism, and personal exchanges as well and that way, build even closer relations between the people of the two countries.
“The improvement in air connectivity is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth by reducing travel times and costs,” the report detailed.
The two countries will also cooperate in education, and environmental conservation respectively offering scholarships for students, and conducting joint initiatives in climate change mitigation and the solving of shared environmental challenges.
The signing of these agreements is celebrated as ‘a step forward in regional diplomacy’ and ‘highlight a commitment to bilateral and broader East African integration.’
Both local and international observers commend the agreements as ‘a significant stride towards economic recovery for Somalia.’
After decades of conflict, Somalia is looking to rebuild, and building regional economic ties is a step in the right direction.
As both countries look ahead, the focus will be on implementation, ensuring that the promise of these agreements translates into tangible benefits for their citizens. This could mean new jobs, improved security, and enhanced cultural ties, setting a positive trajectory for future collaborations in East Africa.
Also Read: Turkey Brokers a Dispute Ceasefire Between Ethiopia and Somalia
Regional cooperation key agreements
The first agreement was on General Foreign Affairs Cooperation and was signed by Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, and Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Maxamuud Thabit Kombo. This pact establishes a framework for enhanced diplomatic cooperation and covers areas such as regional stability cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the coordination of international efforts to promote peace and development.
The next pact was on Health Cooperation which was signed by Somalia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Xaaji Aadan Abubakar, and Tanzania’s Minister of Health, Mr. Godwin Oloyce Mollel. This agreement focuses on improving the health systems in both countries and addresses the control of infectious diseases, support for public health, and the strengthening of healthcare services for underserved persons.
Third pact was on Tourism Development and this was signed by Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Da’ud Aways Jaamac, and Tanzania’s Minister of Tourism and Natural Resources, Dr. Pindi Hazara Chana.
“This agreement will encourage cultural exchange, tourism marketing campaigns, and investment in showcasing the unique heritage of both countries,” read the media communique.
Defense and Security Cooperation was yet another pact that the two countries signed. This was signed by Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Cabdulkadir Maxamed Nuur, and his Tanzanian counterpart. The agreement looks at capacity-building, joint training programs, and collaborative efforts to enhance security and regional stability.
Somalia and Tanzania also signed an agreement focusing on educational cooperation emphasizing knowledge exchange in education, scholarships, and joint programs to strengthen educational systems in both countries.
Somalia and Tanzania knowledge-sharing
“The agreement aims to encourage youth engagement in knowledge-sharing and skills development, contributing to sustainable growth in both nations,” the press report said.
Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Saalax Ahmed Jaamac, commended the signing of the agreements, and said that they reflect the shared ambitions of both nations:
“These agreements are a testament to the strong relationship between Somalia and Tanzania. They lay the foundation for economic progress, regional stability, and the prosperity of our people,” he told press.
Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, shared similar sentiments and went on to emphasize Somalia’s commitment to regional cooperation.
“The signing of these agreements demonstrates Somalia’s dedication to regional cooperation. This partnership will bring tangible benefits to both countries and foster stronger relationships across the Horn of Africa,” he said.
“Today marks an important milestone in the relationship between Somalia and Tanzania. These agreements will open doors for effective cooperation and joint development in critical areas,” said Tanzania’s Minister, Mr. Maxamuud Thabit Kombo.
