Somalia Parliament Speaker Urges Arab States to Restore Diplomatic Presence in Mogadishu

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Speaker of the House of the People, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, has urged Arab countries without resident ambassadors in Mogadishu to follow Algeria’s decision to reopen its embassy in the Somali capital, saying stronger diplomatic engagement would deepen ties between Somalia and the Arab world.

The speaker made the remarks during a reception hosted by Arab ambassadors accredited to Somalia at the Yemeni Embassy in Mogadishu. The gathering was organised by Yemen’s ambassador to Somalia, Fadl Ali Ahmed Saleh, in honour of the parliamentary speaker.

The meeting was attended by several members of Somalia’s federal parliament and cabinet ministers, alongside Arab ambassadors based in Mogadishu.

During the event, Nur welcomed Algeria’s ambassador to Somalia and praised Algiers for its decision to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu, describing the move as a reflection of the longstanding ties between the two countries.

He told the Algerian envoy that Somalia should be regarded as a “second home” and said the reopening of the embassy represented an important step in strengthening bilateral relations.

The speaker encouraged other Arab governments that do not currently have resident ambassadors in Somalia to consider returning to Mogadishu, pointing to what he described as improvements in security and stability in the capital.

STRONGER ARAB ENGAGEMENT

Somalia has been seeking to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations with Arab countries as the government works to consolidate security gains and expand international engagement.

Mogadishu has in recent years seen a growing return of foreign diplomatic missions and increased high-level visits, reflecting efforts by the Somali government to improve security and rebuild confidence in the capital after years of instability.

The return of resident diplomatic missions could also strengthen political, economic and development cooperation between Somalia and Arab countries, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure, education and security.

The speaker said a stronger diplomatic presence would help deepen Somalia’s relationship with Arab states and support broader cooperation between the two sides.

Algeria’s decision to reopen its embassy comes as Somalia continues to encourage international partners to expand their diplomatic presence in Mogadishu, with the government portraying improved security in the capital as a foundation for renewed international engagement.

Closer relations with Arab countries also carry strategic importance for Somalia, given the country’s historical, cultural and economic links with the Arab world and its membership in organisations including the Arab League.

The reception brought together Arab diplomatic representatives at a time when Somalia is seeking to expand regional partnerships and reinforce its position as a more active player in diplomatic and economic affairs across the Horn of Africa.