MOGADISHU – The Governor of the Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, has hosted a dinner at his residence to welcome the new Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to the Federal Republic of Somalia, Osman Dubad Sugulle.
The dinner was attended by ministers, parliamentarians, the Banadir Region Deputy Governors for Security and Politics and for Social Affairs, the Banadir Region Secretary General, cultural groups, Somali elders, and other distinguished guests. The event underscored the importance both countries place on strengthening their historical ties and expanding cooperation in security, state-building, and public service delivery.
Mayor Muungaab congratulated Ambassador Osman Dubad on his appointment, noting that his arrival comes at a time when Somalia and Djibouti are deepening their cooperation across multiple sectors. He praised Djibouti’s historic role in supporting Somalia and commended the government and people of Djibouti for their contributions to peacebuilding, state-building, and development.
Somalia and Djibouti have been strengthening cooperation in key areas, including maritime security, with both countries sharing strategic interests in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
A Former Peacekeeper Turned Diplomat
Ambassador Osman Dubad, who previously served as the first commander of Djiboutian forces deployed to Somalia as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission, has a long-standing relationship with Mogadishu. His appointment as ambassador reflects the depth of Djibouti’s engagement with Somalia.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has previously honoured Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh for his lifelong solidarity and contributions to Somalia’s stability and progress. Djibouti remains one of Somalia’s closest allies in the region.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
Ambassador Osman Dubad expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and stated that he would work to strengthen the fraternal ties and deep cooperation between Somalia and Djibouti, with the aim of advancing shared interests and aspirations.
Somalia and Djibouti have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen political dialogue, allowing the two governments to maintain closer communication on pressing political, economic, and security matters.
Djibouti’s Troop Contribution to AUSSOM
Djibouti’s Battalion 13 has deployed to Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with troops arriving in Beledweyne and Bulo Burde to support peace and stability in the Hiiraan region. Djibouti remains a key contributor to the mission, serving alongside personnel from Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Burundi.
Way Forward
The warm reception of Ambassador Osman Dubad signals the continued importance of the Somalia-Djibouti relationship, which has been strengthened through decades of cooperation in security, diplomacy, and development. As both countries navigate the evolving political and security landscape of the Horn of Africa, their partnership is expected to remain a cornerstone of regional stability.
