Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh to discuss security, economic cooperation and regional stability amid growing tensions in the Horn of Africa.
DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti (Somali Report) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud travelled to Djibouti on Wednesday for talks with President Ismail Omar Guelleh, as Mogadishu seeks to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries amid growing security and political challenges in the Horn of Africa.
The two leaders held discussions focused on longstanding relations between Somalia and Djibouti, with particular attention to cooperation in security, economic development and political affairs, according to Somalia's presidency.
They also exchanged views on peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, where several countries are facing renewed political and security tensions.
The visit is part of a regional tour by Hassan aimed at strengthening Somalia's relations and cooperation with neighbouring and regional countries, while advancing what his office described as Somalia's national interests and regional stability.
Hassan's trip to Djibouti came a day after he visited Addis Ababa, where he held talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The Somali and Ethiopian leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to expand cooperation between the two countries, according to the Somali presidency.
Their meeting also addressed broader regional issues, including the importance of strengthening cooperation among countries in the Horn of Africa and efforts to promote peace and stability.
Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia have experienced periods of tension in recent years, particularly over Ethiopia's maritime ambitions and a controversial 2024 memorandum of understanding with Somaliland. The two governments have since taken steps to improve relations and resolve outstanding disputes through diplomatic channels.
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After Djibouti, Hassan is expected to travel to Egypt, where he will hold talks with Egyptian officials and attend high-level African meetings in the Mediterranean resort city of New Alamein, according to Somali media.
Somalia and Egypt have significantly expanded their security and defence cooperation in recent years. Egyptian officials have held talks with Somali leaders in Mogadishu on military training, strengthening the Somali armed forces and broader security assistance.
Cairo has also deepened its engagement with Mogadishu as Somalia works to strengthen its security institutions and prepare for greater responsibility for national security following the drawdown of international forces.
Hassan's visits to Ethiopia, Djibouti and Egypt come as the Horn of Africa faces multiple security and political challenges.
Renewed fighting and tensions in northern Ethiopia, the continuing war in Sudan and instability around the Red Sea have heightened concerns about regional security and trade routes.
Somalia is also continuing its fight against Al-Shabaab, the Islamist militant group that has waged an insurgency for more than a decade. The government is simultaneously pursuing efforts to strengthen national institutions and deepen cooperation with regional and international partners.
Djibouti plays a key strategic role in the region and hosts military bases belonging to several foreign powers, while also serving as an important hub for international efforts to support security in the Horn of Africa.
The talks between Hassan and Guelleh therefore come as Somalia and its neighbours seek closer coordination on security, economic cooperation and regional stability.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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