Tuesday, Jyl 1, 2025— HAN
Dares Salaam — Somalia has reopened its embassy in Tanzania, marking a significant step in revitalizing its diplomatic presence in East Africa and reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation. The event, held in Dar es Salaam on Monday, coincided with celebrations commemorating 65 years of Somali independence.
“This is a momentous and historical occasion,” declared Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. “It reflects not only the resilience of the Somali people but their clear intention to re-engage with East Africa and the world.”
The reopening underscores Somalia’s growing influence in the region, especially following its historic admission into the East African Community (EAC) in 2023. Kombo hinted at deepening ties, including the possibility of direct air routes between the two countries. “Don’t be surprised if Air Tanzania lands in Mogadishu soon—or if Air Somalia flies into Dar es Salaam,” he said, pointing to ongoing negotiations on cargo and passenger connectivity.
Somalia has informally designated Tanzania as a key gateway to Southern Africa, highlighting its strategic importance in regional integration efforts.
Leading the high-level Somali delegation was Abdisalan Abdi Ali, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He called the reopening “a testament to our renewed engagement with Africa and the world,” and described the new embassy as “a symbol of partnership, history, and hope.”
Abdisalan also spoke of Somalia’s ongoing political transformation—what he termed “the Third Republic”—characterized by democratic reforms, national reconciliation, and institutional rebuilding. He emphasized Somalia’s plans to hold its first one-person, one-vote national election in decades, calling it “a historic step forward.”
The ceremony spotlighted the long-standing relationship between Somalia and Tanzania, dating back to the 1960s with early diplomatic exchanges between Somalia’s first president, Aden Abdullah Osman, and Tanzania’s founding father, Julius Nyerere. “These are not new relations; they are time-tested and built on trust,” said Minister Kombo.
In recent months, the two nations have signed several memoranda of understanding to formalize cooperation in key areas including defense, education, immigration, and agriculture. Somalia has also proposed the formation of a Joint Ministerial Commission and a Somalia–Tanzania Parliamentary Friendship Committee to further institutional and grassroots ties.
The Somali diaspora in Tanzania was acknowledged as a critical bridge in strengthening bilateral relations. “Their contributions reflect the natural integration of our region,” said Abdisalan.
The event concluded with traditional Somali music and cuisine, emphasizing that the embassy’s reopening is not only a diplomatic milestone but a celebration of shared culture and renewed unity.
“This is about building a new future—together,” said Minister Abdisalan. “Regional cooperation is not optional—it is essential.”
