By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
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MOGADISHU, 10 August 2026 — Somalia’s Institute of Diplomatic Studies has launched a six-month French-language course for 22 senior diplomats as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s diplomatic capacity and foreign-language skills.
The programme was officially opened on Monday by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hassan Mohamed Ali and is being delivered by the Institute under its Director, Mohamed Guure.
The course forms part of a broader effort by the Institute of Diplomatic Studies to expand professional training for Somali diplomats, foreign-service officers and government officials working in international affairs.
The Institute serves as the training, research and professional development arm of Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Its programmes cover diplomatic practice, international relations, foreign policy, negotiation, diplomatic protocol, international law and foreign-language training.
Established on December 3, 1986 under Decree No. 1, the Institute was created to strengthen the knowledge, skills and professional capacity of Somali diplomats. During its early years, it graduated two cohorts of diplomats who completed two-year Higher Diploma programmes between 1986 and 1990.
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The Institute is now being revitalized as a centre for modern diplomatic education and capacity-building, with language training becoming an increasingly important part of its renewed mandate.
It currently runs English and Swahili courses and has recently completed programmes in Amharic and Italian.
The Institute is also preparing to introduce Chinese and Spanish courses, alongside other languages considered strategically important to Somalia’s expanding international engagement.
Officials say the launch of the French course represents another step in preparing Somali diplomats and government officials to engage more effectively with international partners and multilateral institutions.