Beledweyne, Somalia – Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdikadir Hussein Omar, arrived in Beledweyne on Friday, marking the start of a high-level diplomatic and security-focused visit to central Somalia. He was received by HirShabelle state officials, senior Somali military officers, and representatives of the Djiboutian contingent serving under the African Union peacekeeping mission.
Beledweyne hosts one of Djibouti’s largest overseas military deployments, playing a crucial role in regional security operations against Al-Shabaab. Djiboutian forces stationed there are a central pillar of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), particularly in safeguarding strategic supply routes and supporting Somali National Army operations across Hiiraan region.
During his stop in the city, the minister held discussions with local authorities and Djiboutian commanders on strengthening joint operations, security cooperation, and ongoing stabilization efforts. The talks also focused on humanitarian challenges facing communities displaced by conflict and floods in central Somalia.
Following his engagements in Beledweyne, Minister Omar is expected to continue to Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug state, where he will meet state leaders. His visit underscores Djibouti’s close political and security ties with Somalia, as well as its commitment to supporting federal and regional institutions during a critical period of political transition and intensified military operations against insurgents.
Analysts view the tour as both a demonstration of solidarity and a reaffirmation of Djibouti’s role as a frontline partner in Somalia’s security and stabilization efforts.