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“The security of Somalia and Djibouti is inseparable, and their enduring partnership rests on shared history, trust and mutual respect.” Osman Muse Osman
Some visits are remembered for photographs and ceremonies, while others are remembered for their substance and the lasting impact they leave behind.
The four-day visit to the Republic of Djibouti by the Speaker of Somalia’s House of the People, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (Jama), belongs to the latter category.
Since his election, Speaker Jama has received congratulatory messages from parliamentary speakers around the world. Yet he chose Djibouti as the destination for his first official visit, accompanied by a delegation comprising cabinet ministers and members of parliament.
This decision reflected the significance of Djibouti in Somalia’s diplomatic relations and the special bonds connecting the two countries.
The visit deserves to be remembered not simply as a formal diplomatic engagement but as an important moment in the history of bilateral relations. Its political symbolism, parliamentary achievements and expressions of mutual solidarity gave it a significance extending beyond the official programme.
The government, people and leadership of Djibouti demonstrated that brotherhood is not merely expressed through diplomatic statements but through practical gestures and genuine hospitality.
The reception was led by the Speaker of Djibouti’s National Assembly, Dileita Mohamed Dileita, who arranged an exceptional welcome and personally ensured that his Somali counterpart received the highest honours.
The visit was more than a diplomatic obligation. It represented an encounter between two peoples united by shared history, culture and interests.
Relations between Somalia and Djibouti have deep historical roots. They are not built solely on temporary political interests but rest on brotherhood, geographical proximity and a common destiny. These foundations have endured through changing circumstances and continue to shape relations between the two nations.
The warmth of the reception reflected this historical connection and reinforced the understanding that cooperation between the two countries extends beyond conventional diplomatic relations.
One of the visit’s most significant achievements was the signing, for the first time, of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the parliaments of Somalia and Djibouti.
The agreement marks a new phase in strengthening relations between the two legislative institutions. It provides a foundation for exchanging parliamentary expertise, enhancing institutional capacity and developing sustained cooperation based on mutual trust and respect.
Beyond its symbolic importance, the agreement represents an opportunity to transform longstanding political goodwill into a more structured relationship between the two parliaments.
Such cooperation can help ensure that the historical bonds between the countries are reflected in their legislative institutions.
Among the most memorable moments of the visit was Speaker Jama’s address to Djibouti’s National Assembly, delivered in the presence of its leadership and members, Djibouti’s Prime Minister and most cabinet ministers.
The speech transcended ordinary diplomatic language and touched on the shared identity, history and interests of the two peoples.
Its defining declaration was:
“Djibouti’s security is Somalia’s security, and Somalia’s security is Djibouti’s security. Let those who are unaware hear this.”
These words captured the geographical and strategic realities connecting the two countries.
They also conveyed a clear message: peace and stability in the Horn of Africa cannot be separated from cooperation between Somalia and Djibouti.
The statement went beyond an expression of friendship. It presented the security of the two countries as mutually connected, reflecting the understanding that developments affecting one inevitably carry implications for the other.
In this sense, the Speaker’s declaration represented an affirmation of shared responsibility for regional peace and stability.
President Ismail Omar Guelleh received the Somali delegation with warmth and a spirit of brotherhood.
During the meeting, he offered practical advice and guidance reflecting his political experience, patriotism and long-term perspective.
He emphasised that statehood must be safeguarded through unity and solidarity, and that the public interest should always take precedence over personal interests.
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His advice carried particular significance in highlighting the importance of strong national institutions and collective responsibility.
The message also underlined the need to preserve the unity of the Somali people while strengthening regional cooperation.
The encounter reflected a relationship in which political dialogue is accompanied by the exchange of experience and advice, reinforcing the longstanding ties between the leadership of both countries.
The delegation’s visit to Arta carried profound national significance.
Arta occupies a special place in Somalia’s modern political history. It was there that hopes for the restoration of Somali statehood were revived and important steps towards national reconstruction were initiated.
For this reason, Speaker Jama’s visit was more than a ceremonial stop. It represented an opportunity to revisit a defining chapter in Somalia’s recent history and pay tribute to a place that remains deeply connected to the country’s national memory.
The delegation subsequently travelled by boat to Tadjoura, where it received another warm welcome.
That reception demonstrated once again the affection and solidarity that the people of Djibouti continue to express towards Somalia.
The visits to Arta and Tadjoura added historical, cultural and social dimensions to the official programme. They also served as reminders that relations between the two countries are sustained not only by government institutions but by longstanding connections between their peoples.
The successful organisation of the visit also reflected the contributions of officials whose efforts often take place away from public attention.
Special recognition is due to Djibouti’s Ambassador to Somalia, Osman Dubad, who devoted considerable effort to preparing and facilitating the programme.
The ambassador accompanied the Somali delegation throughout its stay in Djibouti, contributing to the coordination and successful implementation of the visit.
Equally deserving of recognition is Mohamed Abdullahi Hassan, Chief Whip of Somalia's House of the People, who has long been known for his role in strengthening connections between the two republics.
He is an official held in high regard by the leadership of both countries. Although much of his work takes place behind the scenes, his contribution represents an important element of the cooperation between the two parliamentary institutions.
The efforts of these officials illustrate how successful diplomatic engagements depend not only on the leaders who participate but also on those responsible for preparation, coordination and maintaining institutional relationships.
As a Somali proverb reminds us:
“The one who plants a tree will one day enjoy its shade.”
Somalia and Djibouti are two sovereign states with separate flags, yet they share an interconnected history, people and destiny.
Their relationship is built on trust, sustained through unity and strengthened by mutual respect and lasting cooperation.
The November 2026 visit opened a new chapter in advancing relations between the two countries, particularly through closer cooperation between their parliaments.
The agreement signed during the visit offers an opportunity to strengthen institutional ties and establish a lasting framework for cooperation that can benefit future generations.
More importantly, the visit reaffirmed that the relationship between Somalia and Djibouti extends beyond formal diplomatic exchanges. It is rooted in shared experiences, common interests and a recognition that the future security and stability of both countries are closely connected.
History will remember this journey not merely as an official visit, but as an occasion that reaffirmed brotherhood, renewed trust and laid the foundations for a new phase of strategic cooperation between Somalia and Djibouti.
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About the Author
*Osman Muse Osman is a political analyst from Djibouti. He writes about public policy, and global issues.
**The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Dawan Africa.