Somalia and Algeria strengthen security, counter‑terrorism ties as interior ministers meet in Algiers

ALGIERS: Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, held high‑level talks with his Algerian counterpart, Saïd Sayoud, Algeria’s Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and Transport, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in security, counter‑terrorism, reconciliation, stabilization, local governance, and institutional development. The meeting, which took place in Algiers, was also attended by Algeria’s Head of National Security, Ali Badaoui, Algeria’s recently appointed envoy to Somalia, Mohamed Alim, and Somalia’s ambassador to Algeria, Yusuf Ahmed Hassan.

The discussions reaffirmed the long‑standing historical relationship between the two nations. Both ministers committed to deepening their partnership and sharing expertise to promote peace, stability, and state‑building efforts. Algeria, which hosts the African Union police cooperation organization (AFRIPOL) in Algiers, has established itself as a key regional player in counter‑terrorism and peace initiatives across Africa and the Sahel region. “Algeria plays a vital role in continental security, and we look forward to learning from their experience,” Minister Hosh said.

The engagement comes at a critical time as Somalia intensifies military operations against Al‑Shabaab and prepares for a comprehensive security transition following decades of African Union peacekeeping involvement. Somalia and Algeria previously signed a bilateral security cooperation agreement in Mogadishu in February 2026, covering intelligence sharing, counter‑terrorism capacity building, and joint training programs for security personnel. The two nations also held their inaugural political consultations in Mogadishu in March 2026, co‑chaired by their deputy foreign ministers, focusing on political dialogue, diplomatic capacity, and multilateral coordination.

Algeria has consistently supported Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In January 2026, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement reaffirming its backing for Somalia’s unity and rejecting any external interference, aligning with Mogadishu’s position on Somaliland. The two countries further solidified ties by signing a judicial cooperation agreement in March 2026, aimed at enhancing collaboration on legal frameworks, judicial independence, human rights, and the rule of law.

Minister Hosh’s visit to Algiers builds on a series of high‑level engagements. The minister arrived in Algeria earlier this week for a working visit aimed at deepening counter‑terrorism cooperation and exchanging expertise on local governance and stabilization. The discussions also come as Somalia pursues a federalism model that requires strengthening regional administrations. Previous talks between the two countries have explored cooperation on federalism and institution‑building, with Algeria offering technical support based on its own experience in transitional governance.

Both sides concluded the meeting by reiterating their commitment to expanding collaboration across security, reconciliation, and local governance. No formal agreements were announced, but officials described the talks as “productive” and “a foundation for deeper engagement” in the coming months. Minister Hosh is expected to return to Mogadishu later this week.