Lubumbashi, DRC — Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the East African Community, Ilyas Ali Hassan, on Saturday met senior officials in the DRC’s mineral-rich Haut Katanga province as part of efforts to deepen diplomatic relations and foster closer people-to-people ties.
Amb. Hassan, accompanied by officials from the Somali Embassy and prominent members of the Somali community in the DRC, held separate meetings with Governor Martin Kazembe Shula, Provincial Assembly Speaker Michel Kabwe Mwamba, and Lubumbashi Mayor Patrick Afwimbi Mumamba.
In his discussions, Ambassador Hassan expressed appreciation to the Congolese authorities for their continued hospitality toward the Somali community living and working in the province. He commended their role in creating an environment that allows Somalis to thrive in trade and business, noting that such cooperation reflects the spirit of African solidarity and mutual respect.
He underscored that his visit aimed to strengthen the growing friendship between Mogadishu and Kinshasa, with a focus on expanding cooperation in trade, education, and investment.
“Somalia and the DRC share a deep commitment to regional integration, peace, and development,” Amb. Hassan said, adding that the Somali government is keen to enhance its diplomatic footprint across Africa.
Governor Shula, in turn, welcomed the ambassador and reaffirmed his administration’s openness to collaboration with the Somali community, acknowledging their contribution to local commerce and social life in Haut Katanga.
The visit comes as Somalia continues to broaden its diplomatic outreach across the African continent, building on shared economic and cultural interests while promoting the welfare of its diaspora communities.