Following high ministerial delegation from Tanzania has arrived in Mogadishu, capital city of Somalia recently and signed several agreements on five main sectors. Somalia and Tanzania have come into agreement to reestablish direct flights between Mogadishu and Dar es Salaam, a pivotal step in fostering trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
The restoration of direct flights is expected to eliminate the need for connections through Nairobi or Addis Ababa, significantly reducing travel time and costs. The move is anticipated to bolster economic growth and enhance collaboration between the two nations.
“Improved air connectivity is not just a logistical achievement; it’s a lifeline for trade and tourism,” said Dr. Pindi Hazara Chana, Tanzania’s Minister of Tourism and Resources.
The agreements also extend to defence and security, with both nations committing to enhanced counter-terrorism efforts and border management. The collaboration aims to address threats such as organized crime and militant activity, particularly in light of Somalia’s ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab. Tanzanian authorities pledged to assist Somalia by sharing intelligence and providing scholarships for Somali students in security and law enforcement training.
The two countries plan to work jointly on public health improvements and medical advancements in healthcare, addressing long-standing challenges in both nations. Somalia’s Health Minister, Dr. Abdi Adan, and Tanzania’s Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Godwin Mollel, stressed the importance of this partnership in tackling pressing healthcare issues.
It marked the first high-level Tanzanian delegation to visit Somalia since the outbreak of civil war in 1991. Both nations share a history of cooperation, including Somalia’s mediation of a peace deal between Tanzania and Uganda in 1972, which delayed a five-year regional war.
The agreements come less than a year after Somalia joined the East African Community (EAC) in December 2023, a move that has bolstered its regional influence. Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Ilyas Ali Hassan, played an important role in facilitating the agreements that align with EAC’s economic and political integration goals. “These agreements are not just ink on paper; they represent a turning point in our shared history,” Hassan said.
Tourism is another cornerstone of the agreements. The direct flights are expected to promote cultural exchanges and open up new avenues for investment. Tanzania’s tourism minister invited members of the Somali diaspora to explore business opportunities in Tanzania. “Today, we signed bilateral agreements that will further strengthen our relations,” Chana said. “We welcome the Somali diaspora to invest in Tanzania, which is open for business to all Somalis.”
The agreements also include the revival of the Joint Ministerial Cooperation Commission (JMCC), first established under President Siad Barre’s administration. The framework will facilitate dialogue and address emerging issues, ensuring a sustained partnership between the two nations.
