The Forum in Brussels, organised by the European Union together with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Kingdom of Sweden, gathered representative from 58 countries and 6 international organisations. It brought together the Somali President Abdullahi Mohamed, High Representative Federica Mogherini and Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström.

he conference aimed at raising awareness and support for Somalia, a country making progress in a number of critical areas despite extraordinary challenges.

“The European Union is leading the international partnership to strengthen Somalia’s political, economic and security reform agenda. Today, I announced that the EU will provide additional €200 million to support Somalia’s overall stabilisation to create a better future for its people. I also signed the EU’s contribution of €114.2 million for the African Union Mission to Somalia until the end of this year. The stability and development of the country is also critical for the stability of the broader region and for Europe” EU top diplomat Federica Mogherini said.

Through the three EU security and defence missions based in Somalia: EUTM, EU Operation ATALANTA, and EUCAP Somalia, the EU is contributing to capacity building within the local security sector by providing training, advising, mentoring, as well as deterring and repressing acts of piracy. Also, the EU is an important partner of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which has enabled Somalia’s peacebuilding and state-building with the focus on respect of human rights, protection of civilians, with particular attention to the rights of women as well as the protection of children, and prevention and countering of violent extremism.

The EU has consistently supported the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) which has been operating for 10 years now and with €1.73 billion. The EU is currently increasing its security support to the country, reorienting it to more direct support to the Somali institutions.

The EU has also stepped up its humanitarian contribution, with €89 million in new funding announced last week.

“The Federal Government of Somalia is fully committed to implement the Political Roadmap 2020, Transition plan for security, economic reform and reach out to the whole of Somalia for reconciliation and dialogue. The Somalia Partnership Forum is key for strengthened partnerships with our regional and international partners. We want to work according to the theme of the forum – forward together” – President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed stated.

“The Somalia Partnership Forum has made a number of strong commitments for inclusive politics. We encourage Somalia to adopt national laws and policies that protect women’s and girls’ human rights and enable them to have a stronger role in society. Somalia has taken very important steps on the pathway for sustainable peace and development. Sweden remains a committed partner and will double our development support to Somalia to approximately $350 million over the next five years.” – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Margot Wallström underlined.