Kinshasa, DRC – Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the East African Community, Ilyas Ali Hassan, has officially presented his credentials to President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, marking a significant step toward deepening Somalia–Congo relations within the East African bloc.
The ceremony, held at the presidential palace, symbolized a new chapter of engagement between Mogadishu and Kinshasa—two nations looking to harness their shared membership in the East African Community for mutual benefit. Amb. Ilyas emphasized Somalia’s readiness to work closely with the DRC to expand political dialogue, strengthen trade, and explore joint development opportunities that can enhance regional integration.
In his discussions with President Tshisekedi, Amb. Ilyas proposed the creation of a Somalia–Congo Business Forum—a platform intended to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials from both nations. The initiative aims to promote investment, increase trade volumes, and encourage partnerships across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and transport.
He also underscored the importance of simplifying visa procedures and trade permit systems to ease the movement of goods and people between the two countries. Such measures, he noted, would not only bolster commerce but also build people-to-people connections and trust across borders.
Somalia and the DRC, both relatively new entrants to the East African Community, share ambitions of leveraging regional cooperation to accelerate economic growth and stability. The ambassador’s visit comes at a time when both nations are seeking to diversify their diplomatic and commercial networks, with a focus on building resilience through cross-border collaboration.
By advocating for a pragmatic partnership built on trade and shared opportunity, Amb. Hassan’s engagement in Kinshasa signals Somalia’s growing diplomatic confidence and its commitment to playing an active role in shaping the future of regional integration within the EAC.
