Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has embarked on an official visit to Libya aimed at strengthening diplomatic and cooperative ties between the two nations. According to the Somali Presidency, the visit focuses on enhancing collaboration in security, politics, combating illegal migration, and addressing the plight of Somali youths detained in Libyan prisons.

Focus Areas of the Visit

A statement from the Somali Presidency noted: “The Presidents of Libya and Somalia will discuss enhancing cooperation in security, politics, combating illegal migration, and the safe return of Somali youths facing difficult conditions in Libyan detention centers.”

Prior to the President’s arrival in Tripoli, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi visited Libya to lay the groundwork for these high-level discussions.

Diplomatic Relations Between Somalia and Libya

This visit follows a series of diplomatic engagements between the two countries:

• January 2025: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Libya’s High Council Chairman, Mohamed Al-Menfi, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
• May 2024: Somali Presidential Advisor Daud Mahmoud Geelle met with Libya’s High Council Chairman in Tripoli to discuss deepening ties and regional matters.
• December 2024: Somalia and Libya, with support from the European Union and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), coordinated the return of 161 stranded Somali migrants from Libya.

Economic Opportunities & Oil Exploration

The visit also aims to foster economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Somalia is currently conducting oil exploration and hopes to start drilling soon.

Libya holds Africa’s largest oil reserves, estimated at 48.4 billion barrels, and Somalia hopes to benefit from Libya’s expertise in oil exploration and production.

Combating Illegal Migration & Repatriation of Migrants

A key focus of the visit is finding solutions for Somali migrants detained in Libya. The Somali government is working to safely repatriate these individuals and ensure they receive the support they need upon return.