Mogadishu – Somalia and the European Union conducted their inaugural partnership dialogue in Mogadishu on May 10, 2026, addressing political stability, security cooperation, migration and investment issues, according to officials.
The meeting took place under Article 3 of the Samoa Agreement, which establishes structured dialogue between the EU, its member states and partner countries. The discussions followed the theme “A sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership.”
Somalia’s delegation was headed by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama and comprised ministers of defense, justice and constitutional affairs, internal security, finance, planning, investment and economic development, commerce and industry.
The EU delegation was led by EU Ambassador Francesca Di Mauro and consisted of 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 also participated.
The discussions occurred as Somalia contends with escalating political, security and humanitarian challenges, including drought, rising humanitarian needs and regional instability connected to the Gulf conflict. EU officials noted the conflict was impacting European economies, intensifying competition for global attention and resources.
The dialogue addressed four primary areas: rule of law and democratization, peace and stability, migration and mobility, and the economic and Global Gateway agenda.
Regarding rule of law and democratization, Somali officials informed the EU about the ongoing constitutional review process and discussions with political figures and groups regarding Somalia’s electoral agenda. The EU expressed expectations that Somali leaders would make every effort in the coming days to initiate an inclusive and peaceful process seeking a political agreement. It emphasized that such an agreement was necessary to maintain political stability throughout Somalia.
Concerning security, the federal government updated EU officials on recent military advances against al-Shabab and its strategy for establishing a self-sustaining Somali security sector. Somali officials also highlighted ongoing reforms focused on enhancing professionalism, accountability, transparency and institutional effectiveness within the security forces. The EU reaffirmed Somalia’s strategic importance, noting its location along maritime routes connecting Asia and Europe. It stated it would continue supporting counterterrorism efforts through the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and by improving capabilities of Somali security forces. The EU recently approved 75 million euros in support for AUSSOM, a contribution officials described as demonstrating Europe’s ongoing commitment to Somalia’s security.
Both parties agreed security cooperation would remain a priority and emphasized the need for coordination with other security partners to achieve more effective burden-sharing. They also stated that stabilization efforts in areas recently liberated from al-Shabab must accelerate to solidify military advances.
Regarding migration and mobility, Somalia and the EU examined irregular migration, forced displacement, migrant smuggling, human trafficking, legal migration pathways, safe returns, reintegration and support for internally displaced persons. Both sides agreed to convene a third technical dialogue on returns and readmission as soon as possible to identify obstacles and enhance cooperation. They also welcomed Somalia’s establishment of a National Coordination Mechanism, stating it would strengthen government efforts on migration and displacement issues.
For economic cooperation, officials explored methods to enhance Somalia’s appeal to investors through improved economic governance and business environment. The EU indicated that supporting skills development and providing access to finance for entrepreneurs could help generate employment opportunities, particularly for young people. The scheduled EU-Somalia Business Forum in October is anticipated to offer a venue for investment opportunities, partnerships and private sector involvement.
Somalia and the EU stated the dialogue reaffirmed a relationship built on shared values, mutual interests and respect for the United Nations Charter. The two parties agreed to convene the next partnership dialogue within 12 months.