Somali Prime Minister says Somalia-Qatar ties entering strategic phase

Tuesday September 1, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has reiterated that Somalia and Qatar are strengthening security and defense cooperation, describing a defense agreement between the two countries as a step toward building stronger and more professional Somali security institutions.

In an exclusive interview with Qatar’s Al Sharq newspaper, Hamza said relations between Somalia and Qatar have entered a new phase based on strategic cooperation across political, economic, investment, security and defense sectors.

“Somalia seeks long-term cooperation with Qatar and the Gulf countries, which is not limited to crisis management, but also focuses on investment in infrastructure, energy, ports, food security and economic development,” he said.

Hamza said Somalia’s independence, unity and territorial integrity are non-negotiable, stressing that the federal government rejects any action that undermines the country’s sovereignty.

Speaking about Somaliland, the prime minister said Mogadishu still believes internal disputes can be resolved through dialogue among Somali parties.

He warned against foreign interference and any attempt to create what he described as a new political reality inside Somalia.

Hamza also reiterated Somalia’s position on any proposal to relocate Palestinians to Somalia.

He said Somalia would not become a destination for settling Palestinians and would not be part of any plan to displace the Palestinian people or undermine their cause.

Hamza underlined that Palestinians have the right to live in their own country with freedom and dignity.

The prime minister also addressed security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, expressing concern about regional tensions and their potential impact on shipping and international trade.

He said Somalia supports de-escalation, dialogue and diplomatic solutions, noting that maritime security is vital to Somalia because of its strategic coastline along one of the world’s most important waterways.

Hamza also praised Qatar’s role in efforts to reduce tensions and promote diplomatic solutions.

Asked about the fight against al-Shabab, Hamza said the Somali government has recaptured large areas from the group over the past four years and destroyed bases and strongholds where the militants had been entrenched.

“The fight is not limited to military operations, and that the government is also working to cut off al-Shabab’s financial resources, counter extremist ideology and rebuild administration and public services in areas recovered from the group,” he added.

The prime minister said the government would offer amnesty to al-Shabab members who lay down their arms, renounce extremist ideology and return to society.

Hamza also emphasized that the Somali government’s goal is to ensure the country can defend itself, protect its independence and contribute to security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.