Tanzania and Somalia forge stronger relations

Dar es Salaam. Somalia’s diplomatic re-engagement continues to gain momentum following the reopening of its Dar es Salaam embassy and the signing of nine new bilateral agreements with Tanzania, covering areas from education and security to civil aviation and trade.

Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Ilyas Ali Hassan, said the focus is now on implementation.

“Diplomacy must translate into real benefits for our people,” he told The Citizen, pointing to a roadmap that matches each accord with concrete deadlines.

The renewed relationship traces back to December, when Tanzania’s Foreign minister, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, led the first cabinet-level mission to Mogadishu in over 30 years.

Agreements signed since then include joint surveillance, scholarship schemes, prisoner repatriation and Kiswahili promotion.

A standout milestone is a new civil aviation pact clearing the way for direct Dar–Mogadishu flights by year’s end. Traders on both sides anticipate major cost reductions and improved logistics. “Each cabin will be an airborne business forum,” said Mr Ilyas.

Education is also a key pillar. From January 2026, Tanzanian universities will host Somali students in engineering and medicine, while the university of Dar es Salaam is preparing Kiswahili pilot programmes for schools in Kismayo and Beledweyne.

Security ties are next, with coastal surveillance training set for Tanga in November. The envoy said maritime threats require joint responses, “not painted flags.”

Somalia is also deepening links with Rwanda, Malawi, Comoros and Mauritius, part of its broader regional vision. “We are building a Somalia that is sovereign, united and open for business,” he said.