ALGIERS, Algeria — Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, met with Algeria’s Secretary of State for African Affairs, Salma Bekhta Mansouri, on the sidelines of a continental conference addressing “Criminalizing Colonialism in Africa.” The talks focused on boosting bilateral cooperation, expanding collaboration across key sectors, and aligning positions on major African issues.
The meeting comes as Somalia seeks to deepen diplomatic and economic ties across the continent, particularly with countries like Algeria that have played influential roles in African politics.
Officials from both sides emphasized the importance of joint initiatives to address regional challenges, from governance and security to historical justice.
“The discussions are a step forward in strengthening Somalia’s partnerships in Africa, and in working together on issues that affect the entire continent,” a Somali diplomat told Arlaadi Media after the meeting.
Algeria, with its own history of fighting colonialism, has long been active in promoting African unity and collaboration on issues of historical justice, governance, and regional stability.
Somalia, meanwhile, is navigating a period of reconstruction and state-building after decades of conflict, with a growing focus on fostering strong diplomatic networks and coordinated action on continental matters.
The conference provided a platform for officials and experts from across Africa to discuss colonial legacies, accountability, and strategies for reconciliation. For Somalia, the engagement also offered an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic voice, build partnerships, and leverage collaboration on shared priorities with influential African states like Algeria.
