Somalia and Qatar have inked a multi-million-dollar deal that will see the gulf country fund projects and build roads linking the capital Mogadishu and the Lower Shabelle regions. The $200 million infrastructure deal will open numerous job opportunities for Somali citizens especially the youth who are prone to joining radical groups like al Shabaab and ISIS.
The projects include the reconstruction of the 90km road linking Mogadishu and Jowhar as well as Afgoye in the Lower Shabelle region. The project is a significant investment move in Somalia by Qatar following in the footsteps of Turkey which has invested in infrastructure projects such as the refurbishing of the Aden Adde Airport and roads in Mogadishu.
The deal comes after Somali stands with Qatar once Arab nations started with the blockages to Qatar. Moreover the deal will reinforce the relations between Qatar -Somalia and Turkey. Having a navy base in Qatar, Turkey is looking for establishing one is Somalia. With this project, Turkey will be in a position to control the energy transportation from Africa Horn to Hurmuz Strait.
