The European Union has announced a fresh €138m (£118m) support package for Somalia, combining security funding with humanitarian assistance as the Horn of Africa nation continues to grapple with instability, political tensions and worsening humanitarian conditions.
The announcement followed talks in Mogadishu between Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and the EU Ambassador to Somalia, Francesco Di Mauro, focused on security cooperation, political stability and humanitarian support.
The EU said €75m of the package would go towards supporting the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is overseeing efforts to strengthen peacebuilding and support Somalia’s ongoing security transition.
Speaking after the meeting, the EU ambassador said international partners and regional states shared responsibility for ensuring the long-term success of Somalia’s security framework, including providing financial and operational backing.
A further €63m has been allocated for humanitarian assistance aimed at communities affected by drought, displacement and deteriorating living conditions.
According to the EU, the funding will support essential services including food aid, clean water supplies, healthcare and emergency relief for vulnerable populations across the country.
The discussions also addressed Somalia’s political situation, with both sides emphasising the importance of dialogue and consensus-building to reinforce governance and promote long-term stability.
The latest EU commitment comes at a time of growing political disputes in Somalia over governance and electoral timelines, alongside continuing threats posed by insecurity and humanitarian crises.
The bloc said the renewed package reflected its commitment to maintaining close cooperation with Somalia’s federal government while helping the country respond to overlapping security and humanitarian challenges.
