Mogadishu, Somalia – The head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Somalia, Manuel Marques Pereira, has urged the international community not to lose sight of Somalia’s progress and challenges, stressing that sustained support is essential for the country’s path to long-term stability.
In an interview in Mogadishu, Pereira described international engagement in Somalia as “a shared obligation,” noting that the country has shown resilience and the ability to advance if given consistent backing. He pointed to Somalia’s strides in state-building, security reforms, and community-led development as evidence of what is possible when resources and partnerships align.
“Somalia is at a turning point. The people have demonstrated incredible resilience, but resilience must be matched with opportunity. With steady investment in governance, services, and livelihoods, Somalia can transform from fragility to prosperity,” Pereira said.
His remarks come as Somalia navigates overlapping crises—from the lingering threat of extremist violence to recurring climate shocks and humanitarian needs. The IOM chief emphasized that withdrawing support at this stage would risk reversing hard-won gains, adding that migration management, displacement response, and reintegration of returnees remain central priorities for his agency.
Pereira’s call echoes appeals from Somali leaders who have consistently urged global partners to remain engaged as the country assumes greater responsibility for its security and development agenda. With international missions transitioning and donor attention stretched by global crises, Somalia’s advocates warn that now is a critical moment to sustain momentum toward peace and stability.