Human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman arrived in Mogadishu on Wednesday for an official visit at the invitation of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the First Lady.

As a prominent advocate for human rights and press freedom, Karman is scheduled to meet Somali officials, political leaders, and representatives of civil society to discuss peace, development, and ways to deepen ties between Yemen and Somalia.

In a message posted on her official account, Karman described Somalia as Yemen’s “second country and strategic depth on the African continent,” underscoring the historic and cultural bonds linking the two nations.

Karman rose to international prominence during Yemen’s 2011 uprising, where her leadership in the peaceful movement earned her the title “Mother of the Revolution.” Later that year, she became the first Arab woman and second Muslim woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of her role in advancing nonviolent struggle for freedom and democracy.

Beyond her activism in Yemen, Karman has played an influential role on the global stage, speaking at international forums and championing initiatives to support democracy and peacebuilding across the region. She is also the founder of Women Journalists Without Chains, established in 2005 to defend press freedoms and promote women’s rights.