Baidoa, Southwest – The European Union’s new Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, spent the day in Baidoa on Monday, using her first official tour of the Federal Member States to gauge progress, listen to local leaders and see the impact of EU-funded work on the ground. Her visit offered a rare blend of high-level political engagement and close-up encounters with communities striving to rebuild their lives.
She began her trip with talks alongside Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, where the two leaders spent time reviewing the region’s latest political and security dynamics. The discussions also touched on how Southwest State can push forward its development plans at a moment when drought recovery, stabilization efforts and governance reforms remain pressing priorities.
The ambassador’s day continued at the Speaker’s residence, where Dr. Ali Faqi hosted her for a working lunch. Their meeting centered on the evolving legislative agenda of the Southwest State Parliament, with attention placed on strengthening institutions that many residents rely on to restore order and improve public services.
Away from the formal meetings, Di Mauro took time to walk through EU-funded projects implemented by the International Organization for Migration. In Baidoa’s sprawling displacement settlements and nearby neighborhoods, she heard from families navigating life after multiple climate shocks and conflict. The programmes she visited are designed to offer displaced people longer-term stability, while also supporting small businesses seeking to grow in a challenging economic environment.
Her interactions with local entrepreneurs and community leaders painted a picture of resilience that has come to define Southwest State. Many of those she met described how targeted support — whether through new shelters, vocational training or modest capital for startups — has helped households regain a sense of hope and direction.
By the end of her tour, the Ambassador’s message was clear: the European Union intends to remain a steady partner for Somalia. Her time in Baidoa reinforced how external support can translate into tangible change when paired with local commitment, and it underscored the growing trust between the EU and the communities working to rebuild Southwest State’s future.