MOGADISHU – Somali National University (SNU) and the University of Rwanda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen academic cooperation, joint research, and capacity building, marking a step forward in bilateral educational ties. The agreement was signed in Kigali by Dr. Fu’aad Mire Xasan, Vice Rector for Planning and Development of SNU, and Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration of the University of Rwanda.
The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation welcomed the agreement, describing it as a key step in strengthening Somalia’s peacebuilding, reconciliation, and institutional transformation through African-led cooperation and regional partnership. The ministry said the initiative was advanced through its strategic leadership and coordination role in supporting national reconciliation, social cohesion, and statebuilding priorities, though it was not a signatory to the document.
The MoU focuses on joint research, knowledge and expertise exchange, capacity development for academics and students, and improving the quality of higher education. The ministry stressed that the agreement supports the Federal Government’s efforts to promote peace education, strengthen national reconciliation, foster social cohesion, and build generations rooted in the values of peace, tolerance, coexistence, and responsible citizenship.
The ministry added that the Somalia-Rwanda Joint Action Plan (2026-2028) aligns with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP 2025-2029), the National Reconciliation Framework (NRF), the Centennial Vision 2060 (CV2060), the African Union Agenda 2063, the AU Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) Framework, and the East African Community (EAC) Vision 2050, along with regional higher education cooperation frameworks.
The academic MoU builds on a wider framework of bilateral agreements between Somalia and Rwanda. In October 2025, the two countries signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement in Kigali, which established a Joint Permanent Commission to oversee collaboration in justice, education, agriculture, ICT, trade, and mutual legal assistance.
That agreement has since been complemented by other sectoral partnerships. The Somali Police Force and the Rwanda National Police signed a cooperation agreement focused on training and exchange of ideas, while Somali military officers have graduated from the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College as part of expanding defence ties.
The academic partnership aligns closely with Somalia’s domestic push to institutionalise peace education. The Ministry of Interior has accelerated the national Peace Education initiative as a core pillar of the National Reconciliation Framework, which was officially launched to structurally strengthen the infrastructure for peace across the country. A dedicated Peace Education Steering Committee has been established to direct and coordinate nationwide implementation.
The National Reconciliation Framework was launched by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre as a joint effort between the UNDP and the Ministry of Interior, with the UNDP stating it was proud to facilitate a process that would strengthen the infrastructure for peace in Somalia.
The Somalia-Rwanda Joint Action Plan (2026-2028) aligns with multiple national and regional strategic frameworks. Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP 2025-2029) focuses on transformational governance, sustainable economic transformation, social and human capital development, and environmental and climate resilience.
The partnership also supports the objectives of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the EAC Vision 2050, which prioritise regional integration, peace, and sustainable development.
The ministry highlighted that the initiative reflects the value of Pan-African solidarity and South-South cooperation. The General Cooperation Agreement signed in Kigali was founded on mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a strong spirit of Pan-African solidarity, with both ministers agreeing to fast-track its operationalisation.
Somalia has consistently supported African-led solutions to regional conflicts, including through its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council representing Africa’s voice.
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