The Horn of Africa is a crucial region to our strategic interests. Following President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s election in May last year, significant efforts were made to stabilise and pacify Somalia. The country has also committed to an ambitious reform agenda, including on reconciliation and macro-economic reforms. When I visited Mogadishu last September, I was impressed by the President’s commitment to these reforms.  

Mobilise support in the fight against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab 

The President and his administration engage in particular with the Somali people, the region, and international partners to mobilise support in the fight against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. Many – too many – civilians and members of security forces have paid the ultimate price in this struggle. Many soldiers of contributing countries to the African Union’s Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have also lost their lives seeking to bring peace to the region. The strengthening of the Somali Security Forces (SSF) is a top priority as part of the transition from ATMIS to Somali-led security.  

We are helping Somalia to succeed in this undertaking. The EU has two CSDP missions on the ground training and equipping the Somali army including in the maritime domain. Further, we have one operation at sea initially established to fight piracy and safeguard vital humanitarian supplies provided by the World Food Programme; now also tasked to address broader maritime security issues, e.g., illegal trafficking, notably weapons and drugs. Since 2008, the EU has invested € 4.3 billion in the security and state building of Somalia. This investment is bearing fruit as progress continues.  

Last May, the EU and Somalia adopted a joint Roadmap based on a common work to define priorities and milestones. It reflects the reinforced partnership the EU has with Somalia. It will not be possible to progress significantly in security in Somalia unless core issues of political and economic instability are addressed. 

“It will not be possible to progress significantly in security in Somalia unless core issues of political and economic instability are addressed.” 

The commitment to reconcile the Federal Government and the Federal Member States, including by reaching agreements on security architecture, justice model, power sharing and fiscal federalisation is commendable. However, it is essential that this process is truly inclusive and gains are institutionalized: all relevant parties need to engage and participate to develop legislation and eventually finalise the constitution.  

Stabilisation in the newly liberated areas will be key, essentially rebuilding the vital social contract between citizens and state. The EU is already a key partner in this area, and we stand ready to engage further to address the needs.   

Ending Somalia’s financial isolation 

Somalia has made great strides towards debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. I expect and hope that this process will be completed later this year, ending Somalia’s financial isolation. However, it will not be the end of the journey. Somalia has to increase domestic revenues and ensure solid financial management. Transparency and accountability are key pillars of state building to deliver services to Somalia’s people.   

“The general momentum in Somalia’s state building is positive, but the dire humanitarian situation could endanger the progress we are witnessing.” 

The general momentum in Somalia’s state building is positive, but the dire humanitarian situation could endanger the progress we are witnessing. The challenge remains huge, with more than 8 million Somali people needing humanitarian assistance including approximately 1.8 million children acutely malnourished.  

The ongoing efforts such as the High-Level Pledging Event organised in New York in May 2023, mobilising $2.4 billion for Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya are important. However, the international community must scale up its support to prevent further deterioration and loss of life.  

Somalia’s overall stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are key for the country, the region and the EU. The challenges currently facing the Horn of Africa and Somalia can only be overcome through closely coordinated action with the countries in the region and like-minded regional and international partners. Somalia shows that positive change is possible through sustained investment and engagement.