KINSHASA, DRC – Somalia’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and the East African Community (EAC), Ilyas Ali Hassan, conducted a series of meetings in Kinshasa to support Mogadishu’s push to broaden diplomatic and economic relations across the region.
In discussions with Congolese Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Peter Kazadi Shabani, Amb. Hassan explored methods to strengthen cooperation between the nations, emphasizing challenges for the Somali community in the DRC. Both parties affirmed their resolve to enhance alignment on political and security concerns.
The Ambassador further engaged Congo’s Energy Minister Aimé Sakombi Molendo, focusing on energy collaboration and investment prospects advantageous to Somali nationals. Officials assessed possibilities for shared initiatives and wider economic involvement.
In another session with Rachel Pungu, leader of the National Investment Promotion Agency (ANAPI), they reviewed steps to lessen hurdles for Somali merchants and investors in the DRC. They considered a bilateral business forum to foster stronger commercial connections between Mogadishu and Kinshasa.
These meetings align with Somalia’s drive to solidify regional partnerships and unlock fresh economic avenues amid changing conditions in the Horn of Africa and the broader Great Lakes area.
