Somalia, Algeria Move to Deepen Ties with Return of Embassy

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Algeria is preparing to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu after decades of absence, as the two countries seek to deepen diplomatic and political ties.

Algeria’s new ambassador to Somalia, Mohamed Alim, arrived in the capital on Monday and was received by Somali Foreign Ministry officials, including Permanent Secretary Hamse Adan Hadow.

The arrival marks a step towards restoring a permanent Algerian diplomatic presence in Somalia, with the embassy having last operated in Mogadishu in 1985, according to Somali officials.

Somalia’s ambassador to Algeria, Yusuf Ahmed Hassan, and several Arab ambassadors based in Mogadishu were also present at the airport, along with a representative of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Somalia’s foreign ministry said the two countries wanted to build on their existing relationship and expand cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

Ambassador Alim said he looked forward to working with other diplomatic missions in Mogadishu and to consultations on issues affecting Somalia, the Arab world and the wider Islamic community.

The reopening is part of a broader effort by Somalia and Algeria to revive their diplomatic relationship.

Somalia reopened its embassy in Algiers in 2025, and the new premises were formally inaugurated in August that year during a visit by Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali. Algerian officials described the move at the time as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation across a range of areas.

The two countries have also had a recent opportunity to coordinate at the international level. Somalia and Algeria served concurrently as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, creating scope for consultations on African and international issues.

Algeria’s return to Mogadishu also comes as Somalia’s diplomatic network has gradually expanded after years in which conflict and political instability made the capital a difficult posting for foreign governments.

Several countries that closed or reduced their diplomatic presence during Somalia’s state collapse have since restored missions or increased their engagement as security conditions in parts of the capital have improved.

For Algeria, the move has a particular regional dimension. It maintains strong diplomatic links across both Africa and the Arab world, while Somalia occupies a strategic position at the intersection of the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of Aden and the wider Red Sea region.

That geography has made Somalia increasingly important to countries concerned with trade, maritime security, regional stability and political developments across East Africa and the Middle East.

The reopening of an embassy, however, is only the beginning of the relationship’s next phase. Ambassador Alim is expected to present his credentials before formally taking up his duties.

The significance of Algeria’s return will ultimately be measured by what follows, whether the two countries can translate renewed diplomatic representation into closer cooperation in areas such as trade, education, development, security and regional diplomacy.