Tuesday November 11, 2025
Somali Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan stands with Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi after presenting his credentials at the National Palace in Kinshasa on Tuesday. Credit: DRC Presidency
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ilyas Ali Hassan, has formally presented his credentials to President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo in Kinshasa, marking a new phase in bilateral engagement between the two East African Community members.
The ceremony at the National Palace confirmed Ilyas as Somalia’s top representative in the DRC as both governments expand cooperation on regional security and economic integration. He said Somalia is ready to work closely with Congo at the United Nations Security Council, where both countries currently serve as members.
During the meeting, the ambassador proposed creating a Somalia–Congo Business Forum to encourage investment and trade partnerships. He said the platform would help connect private-sector actors from both countries and support long-term commercial collaboration.
Ilyas urged the Congolese government to streamline business permits and visa procedures for Somali traders, arguing that smoother mobility would strengthen cross-border commerce and support the goals of the EAC’s common market framework.
He also thanked President Tshisekedi and the Congolese people for the support extended to Somalia’s diaspora community living in the country, saying their treatment reflects the wider relationship between the two nations.
Somalia has increased its diplomatic outreach across the continent in recent years, linking political ties to efforts aimed at deepening trade, expanding investment, and building new regional partnerships.