Tanzania and Somalia all set for direct flights
What you need to know:
- Both countries have signed several memoranda of understanding, including one aimed at reviving the bilateral aviation agreement.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Somalia have agreed to reintroduce direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Mogadishu, marking a major step towards strengthening bilateral ties and expanding trade and cooperation.
Speaking on Tuesday during celebrations to mark Somalia’s 65th Independence Day and the official reopening of the Somali Embassy in Dar es Salaam following renovations, Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, said both countries have signed several memoranda of understanding, including one aimed at reviving the bilateral aviation agreement.
Currently, passengers travelling between the two countries must transit through Nairobi or Addis Ababa.
“One of the key agreements is to update our aviation pact to allow direct commercial flights between Dar es Salaam and Mogadishu,” Mr Kombo said. “This will improve trade, tourism, business, and cargo movement.”
He noted that despite strong historical and political ties, economic cooperation has remained modest. The new agreements aim to create greater opportunities in trade, education, tourism, and security.
Tanzania, he added, fully supports Somalia’s reconstruction efforts and is ready to collaborate on regional development goals.
He also commended Somalia’s progress under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in rebuilding national institutions and advancing peace.
The event was attended by a high-level Somali delegation, including six ministers and six members of parliament. Mr Kombo welcomed Somalia’s new Foreign Minister, Mr Abdisalam Abdi Ali, and expressed optimism for future collaboration.
Mr Abdi Ali described the reopening of the embassy as a symbol of resilience and renewed cooperation. “July 1 is a day etched in the hearts of all Somalis. It marks not only independence but the unification of our republic,” he said.
He highlighted Somalia’s ongoing institutional reforms under what he called the “Third Republic” and reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to regional integration, including its recent admission into the East African Community.
The Minister also announced plans to establish a Joint Ministerial Commission and a Somalia–Tanzania Parliamentary Friendship Committee to guide bilateral cooperation.
