MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov, arrived in Mogadishu on Sunday, where he met with Somali government officials, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
While the details of the discussions remain undisclosed, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi hosted a luncheon in honor of the Russian delegation.
Sources at Villa Somalia told our reporter that Bogdanov personally delivered an invitation from President Vladimir Putin to President Mohamud to attend the upcoming Russia-Arab League summit later this year.
Bogdanov, a veteran diplomat with decades of experience across the Middle East and Africa, is regarded as one of President Putin’s most trusted envoys and has been honored with a presidential medal for his service.
Russia’s diplomatic push in Somalia comes as Moscow seeks to forge new alliances amid its ongoing war in Ukraine, now entering its third year. Although Somalia initially condemned Russia’s invasion, Mogadishu has recently softened its stance, with Somali officials making quiet visits to Moscow.
Amidst the African Union’s funding challenges for its operations in #Somalia and the Somali government’s ongoing struggle against the al-Shabaab terror group, there has been a notable increase in #Russian and #Iranian diplomatic activity in #Mogadishu.
On Sunday, April 27th,… pic.twitter.com/BhPis4HLYD
— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) April 28, 2025
The shift in Somalia’s diplomatic posture occurs at a time when the country faces serious internal challenges, including the rapid advance of militant groups toward Mogadishu.
Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over the future of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), as the United States — the mission’s largest financial backer — hesitates to commit further funding.
Deputy Foreign Minister Isaac Mursal stated that Somalia is eager to deepen cooperation with Russia in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and trade.
Russia’s outreach to Somalia is part of its broader effort to expand its influence in strategically important parts of Africa.
At the same time, Iran has reportedly been engaging Somali federal officials through Chinese intermediaries, according to diplomatic sources.
These contacts have remained largely secret, especially amid heightened tensions following U.S. airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen.
Intelligence reports suggest that the Houthis have been using Mogadishu’s seaport to smuggle illicit arms to various Somali militia groups and have developed ties with the al-Shabaab militant group.