Somalia opens diaspora center in Mogadishu with Chinese government support

Tuesday June 30, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Monday officially inaugurated the Somalia Diaspora Centre at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Mogadishu.

The opening ceremony was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu and other officials and guests.

The center, built with support from the People’s Republic of China, is intended to strengthen engagement between the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali communities abroad.

Officials said the center will also support implementation of Somalia’s National Diaspora Policy.

Hamza described the Somali diaspora as one of the country’s greatest assets, praising its role in national development and in preserving Somalia’s faith, culture and mother tongue around the world.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Somali communities abroad.

Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali said the government must build confidence and trust with diaspora communities through stronger and more consistent engagement.

He also expressed gratitude China’s long-term support and said Somalia was willing to work with China to further develop the Somalia-China strategic partnership.

Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu said the Somalia Diaspora Centre, completed with assistance from the Chinese government, was another example of friendship between Somalia and China.

“China firmly supports Somalia to safeguard its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and to pursue a development path suited to the nation’s conditions,” Wang said.

He said 2026 year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and said China wants to work with Somalia to advance modernization and build what he described as a community with a shared future for humanity.

The Federal Government of Somalia expressed appreciation to China for supporting the establishment of the Somalia Diaspora Centre.

Officials said the center will serve as a platform for cooperation between the government and Somali diaspora communities, including efforts related to development, investment, cultural identity and national policy priorities.