Somali DPM, Salah Jama, and EU's PSC Chair and Deputy Political Director of the EEAS, Ambassador Delphine Pronk
Mogadishu, Somalia - 22 September 2023: The Chair of the European Union's (EU) Political and Security Committee (PSC) is currently visiting Somalia, engaging in high-level discussions with Deputy Prime Minister, Salah Ahmed Jama, key stakeholders from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), and other international partners. The visiting delegation is led by the PSC Chair and Deputy Political Director of the EEAS, Ambassador Delphine Pronk, together with EU Ambassador to Somalia, Karin Johansson. The focus of these discussions is to deepen the partnership between the EU and Somalia in the framework of the Joint Operational Roadmap as well as to further explore avenues for the EU’s support to the development of the Somali security sector. This is key for the fight against al-Shabaab and to create a safer and more prosperous environment for the Somali people.
The Chair of the EU’s Political and Security Committee meets with the Somali DPM
During a press conference hosted at Villa Somalia, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama underscored the significance of the EU-Somalia partnership:"We express our gratitude for the EU’s longstanding support to Somalia in bolstering security and stability in our nation. This high-level visit by the Chair of the EU PSC comes at a critical juncture as we are making significant advances in the fight against al-Shabaab, while the drawdown of ATMIS is taking place".
Ambassador Pronk acknowledged that “the partnership between the EU and Somalia is presently at a high point, since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's inauguration last year and the launch of the EU – Somalia Joint Operational Roadmap in May. We need to capitalise the on the current momentum of our partnership by advancing the future security cooperation between EU and Somalia, including looking at the role of our missions EUCAP and EUTM Somalia.”.
EU Ambassador Johansson stressed that stability, sovereignty, and peaceful development in Somalia are not only vital for the country and its people, but for the broader Horn of Africa region. The EU reiterated its readiness to support the Somali government and people in addressing various challenges, including the humanitarian catastrophe arising from recurring droughts, food insecurities, and persistent security concerns, primarily related to Al-Shabaab. "The EU will continue to support your government and people," Ambassador Johansson affirmed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The EU and Somalia have a long-standing and joint-up partnership as exemplified by the launch of the EU- Somalia Joint Operational Roadmap in May 2023, which sets the path for a renewed focused engagement for the next two years. The EU is committed to supporting Somalia's stability and ongoing development. Since 2014, the EU has invested EUR 3.5 billion in state-building initiatives as well as implemented budget support programmes. There are two EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions in Somalia, namely EUCAP and EUTM Somalia, which support the Somali Security Forces. The EU recently increased its support to the Somali National Army (SNA) from EUR 40 million to EUR 65 million, with potential willingness to provide further support, contingent on progress in key areas.
The EU Political and Security Committee (PSC) is a key body in the EU with the responsibility for overseeing the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The PSC is responsible for 1) monitoring the international situation; 2) recommending strategic approaches and policy options to the Council of the EU; 3) providing guidance to the Military Committee, the Politico-Military Group and the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management; and 4) ensuring political control and strategic direction of crisis management operations.
