The Federal Government of Somalia has welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Somali National University and the University of Rwanda, describing the agreement as an important step in strengthening peace education, reconciliation efforts, academic cooperation, and regional integration.
The agreement was signed in Kigali, Rwanda, and establishes a long-term academic partnership between the two institutions.
According to Somalia's Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation (MOIFAR), the partnership will focus on peace education, reconciliation studies, institutional capacity development, curriculum harmonisation, research collaboration, and regional academic cooperation.
In a statement, the ministry said the agreement represents a key achievement in Somalia’s efforts to advance peacebuilding, reconciliation, and institutional development through cooperation with African partners.
“The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation of the Federal Government of Somalia welcomes the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding between Somali National University and the University of Rwanda, describing the agreement as a major milestone in advancing Somalia’s peacebuilding, reconciliation, and institutional transformation agenda through African-led cooperation and regional partnership,” the ministry said.
The ministry noted that the partnership was developed under its leadership and coordination as part of wider efforts to support national reconciliation, social cohesion, and state-building initiatives. Officials said the agreement will create opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint research programs, academic training, and cooperation between scholars from both countries.
According to the ministry, the initiative forms part of the Somalia-Rwanda Joint Action Plan for 2026–2028. The plan is aligned with several national and regional development frameworks, including Somalia’s National Transformation Plan 2025–2029, the National Reconciliation Framework, and the country’s Centennial Vision 2060.
The ministry also stated that the partnership supports broader continental goals outlined in the African Union Agenda 2063 and the African Union Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Framework. In addition, the agreement is linked to the East African Community Vision 2050 and other regional higher education cooperation frameworks aimed at increasing collaboration among academic institutions across the region.
Officials said the partnership demonstrates the role of African countries in addressing shared challenges through cooperation and knowledge sharing. The ministry highlighted the importance of Pan-African solidarity and South-South cooperation in supporting peacebuilding, governance, education, and institutional development efforts across the continent.
The agreement is expected to strengthen academic links between Somalia and Rwanda while providing a platform for joint initiatives that contribute to reconciliation and social cohesion. Through the partnership, both universities are expected to work together in developing educational programs and research projects related to peace studies and conflict resolution.
The ministry also acknowledged the contribution of several institutions that supported the development of the partnership. These include Somalia’s Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education, the National Commission for Higher Education, Somali National University, and the University of Rwanda.
Government officials said cooperation between universities can play an important role in supporting national development goals by producing research, building professional skills, and creating opportunities for future generations.
“The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation of the Federal Government of Somalia reaffirms its commitment to advancing nationally owned reconciliation, peacebuilding, social cohesion, and institutional strengthening initiatives through strategic partnerships and regional cooperation frameworks that support sustainable peace and long-term stability in Somalia and the wider region,” the ministry stated.
The agreement marks a new phase in academic relations between Somalia and Rwanda and reflects growing efforts by both countries to use higher education as a tool for promoting peace, reconciliation, and cooperation. Somali officials expressed hope that the partnership will contribute to long-term development objectives while strengthening ties between institutions across East Africa and the African continent.
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