MOGADISHU, Somalia (Horn Post) – The United Kingdom’s Minister of State for International Development and Africa, Jenny Chapman, has paid an official visit to Mogadishu, where she held talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, focusing on humanitarian assistance, climate resilience, and security cooperation.
In a statement, the UK Embassy in Mogadishu said discussions centered on how the UK and Somalia are partnering to build climate resilience and respond to the urgent needs of communities affected by drought across the country. The embassy announced £6 million in new humanitarian funding to support Somalis impacted by drought and highlighted UK backing for peace support operations through UNSOS/AUSSOM.
“On her first visit, the Minister met the President and announced £6m in new humanitarian support for Somalis impacted by drought and saw UK support to UNSOS/AUSSOM in action,” the embassy said.
The UK Embassy clarified that the talks did not focus on Somalia’s elections or democratic processes, despite references in a separate statement released by the Office of the Somali President.
The Somali Presidency, in its readout of the meeting, said President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud briefed the visiting delegation on progress in state-building, security, and the democratic transition, and reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Somalia and the UK, particularly in the areas of security, development, and investment.
The presidency added that the President expressed appreciation for the UK’s continued support, especially in strengthening security, counterterrorism efforts, and priority development programs. Minister Chapman, for her part, underscored the UK’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Somalia and stressed the importance of Somalia’s stability to the Horn of Africa and the wider region.
The visit comes amid ongoing humanitarian challenges in Somalia, where recurrent droughts continue to affect livelihoods and food security.
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