Somali President Holds Talks in Las Anod with Djibouti Government Delegation

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday held high-level talks in Las Anod with a delegation from the Government of Djibouti attending the inauguration of the President of Northeast Somalia State, underscoring growing diplomatic coordination between the two Horn of Africa neighbors.

The meeting brought together President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and senior Djiboutian officials led by Moumin Hassan Barre, Djibouti’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, alongside Ridwan Abdullahi Bahdon, Minister of Telecommunications, the Djiboutian Ambassador to Somalia, and other senior officials.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, regional stability, and Djibouti’s continued support for Somalia’s political transition, sovereignty, and federal state-building process.

The talks took place on January 17, 2026, on the sidelines of the inauguration activities for Northeast Somalia State’s new president.

The meeting was held at the Somali president’s residence in Las Anod, a strategic city in northern Somalia that has become central to political reconciliation and federal expansion.

Djibouti is one of Somalia’s closest diplomatic and security partners in the Horn of Africa. The visit highlights Djibouti’s role in supporting Somalia during periods of political fragility, security reform, and diplomatic re-engagement.

President Hassan Sheikh emphasized what the presidency described as Djibouti’s “historic solidarity,” particularly during moments when Somalia faced threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and during efforts to reinforce peacebuilding, governance reforms, and development.

According to a statement from the Office of the Somali Presidency, President Hassan Sheikh thanked Djibouti for standing with Somalia during difficult periods and for its sustained political and diplomatic backing of Somalia’s unity and independence.

In response, the Djiboutian delegation congratulated Somalia on recent diplomatic achievements and reiterated Djibouti’s firm and consistent position in defense of Somalia’s national unity and territorial integrity.

The talks also included informal consultations on regional cooperation, communications infrastructure, religious affairs coordination, and cross-border stability in the Horn of Africa.

Somalia and Djibouti share deep historical, cultural, and political ties. Djibouti has long played a mediating role in Somalia’s peace processes and hosts key diplomatic platforms for Somali reconciliation.

As Somalia continues rebuilding its federal institutions, relations with neighbouring states are increasingly focused on security coordination, economic integration, and diplomatic support against regional and international pressures.

Las Anod’s emergence as a political centre for the Northeast Somalia State adds a new layer to Somalia’s federal map, making it a focal point for domestic reconciliation and international engagement.

The meeting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Djibouti’s delegation reflects the strengthening of diplomatic relations between the two neighbours at a critical moment in Somalia’s political evolution. As Northeast Somalia State formalizes its leadership, Djibouti’s visible presence in Las Anod signals continued regional backing for Somalia’s unity, stability, and long-term recovery in the Horn of Africa.