Somalia and EU hold first partnership dialogue in Mogadishu

Tuesday May 12, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia and the European Union opened their first-ever partnership dialogue in Mogadishu on May 10, 2026, setting the stage for talks on political stability, security cooperation, migration and investment, officials said.

The discussions took place under Article 3 of the Samoa Agreement, which establishes structured engagement between the EU, its member states and partner countries. This round was held under the banner “A sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership.”

Somalia’s delegation was headed by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama and included ministers overseeing defense, justice and constitutional affairs, internal security, finance, planning, investment and economic development, commerce and industry.

The EU side was led by Ambassador Francesca Di Mauro and included ambassadors and representatives from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden. Officials from the EU Training Mission in Somalia and the EU Capacity Building Mission in Somalia were also present.

The meeting came at a difficult moment for Somalia, which is grappling with political tensions, security challenges and humanitarian strain, including drought, rising aid needs and instability across the region tied to the conflict in the Gulf. EU officials said that conflict is also weighing on European economies and sharpening competition for global attention and resources.

The agenda centered on four broad pillars: rule of law and democratization, peace and stability, migration and mobility, and the economic and Global Gateway agenda.

On the rule of law and democratization track, Somali officials updated the EU on the ongoing constitutional review and on discussions with political leaders and groups about the country’s electoral roadmap.

The EU said it expects Somali leaders to make every effort in the coming days to launch an inclusive and peaceful process that can produce a political agreement. Such an agreement, it said, is essential to protect political stability nationwide.

Security discussions focused on the federal government’s recent battlefield gains against al-Shabab and its goal of building a Somali security sector that can stand on its own. Somali officials also highlighted reforms intended to improve professionalism, accountability, transparency and institutional effectiveness within the forces.

The EU reiterated Somalia’s strategic value, pointing to its position along maritime routes connecting Asia and Europe. It said it would remain engaged in counterterrorism support through the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and through efforts to strengthen Somali security forces.

The EU recently approved 75 million euros in support for AUSSOM, which officials said reflects Europe’s continued commitment to Somalia’s security.

Both sides said security cooperation must remain at the top of the agenda and agreed that coordination with other security partners is necessary to improve burden-sharing. They also said stabilization in areas recently retaken from al-Shabab must move faster to lock in military progress.

Migration and mobility talks covered irregular migration, forced displacement, migrant smuggling, human trafficking, legal pathways for migration, safe returns, reintegration and support for internally displaced people.

The two sides agreed to convene a third technical dialogue on returns and readmission as soon as possible to clear away obstacles and deepen cooperation. They also welcomed Somalia’s establishment of a National Coordination Mechanism, saying it would help strengthen government action on migration and displacement.

On economic cooperation, officials explored ways to make Somalia more appealing to investors by improving economic governance and the business environment. The EU said backing skills development and better access to finance for entrepreneurs could help generate jobs, especially for young people.

The planned EU-Somalia Business Forum in October is expected to offer a venue for investment opportunities, partnerships and private sector engagement.

Somalia and the EU said the dialogue reaffirmed a relationship rooted in shared values, mutual interests and respect for the United Nations Charter. They agreed to hold the next partnership dialogue in 12 months.