ADDIS ABABA — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the second Italy-Africa Summit in Ethiopia‘s capital on Friday, where he called for a shift from conventional aid to strategic partnership while issuing a stern rebuke against threats to Somalia‘s territorial integrity.
The event, hosted in Addis Ababa, united African heads of state with Italian representatives to forge enhanced bilateral ties. Discussions focused on the Mattei Plan, an Italian initiative designed to invest in fundamental sectors that promote sustained stability and development.
From Aid to Ownership
Somalia’s delegation emphasized that the partnership must transition from traditional cooperation models to those based on African priorities and ownership.
“Somalia’s focus is unambiguous: building resilience, generating opportunities for young people, enhancing food security, and connecting our economy with regional and international markets,” officials stated.
Summit participants identified trade promotion, direct foreign investment, and energy resources as fundamental pillars of this revitalized partnership. Innovation and technology transfer were also highlighted as crucial factors for future economic unity.
Defending Sovereignty
While welcoming economic collaboration, President Mohamud’s address took a sharp political turn, stressing that Africa’s advancement must be rooted in respect for state sovereignty and political independence, consistent with the UN Charter and the AU Constitutive Act.
The Somali delegation explicitly condemned recent diplomatic moves by Israel regarding Somaliland.
“Israel’s unilateral measures against Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity undermine this foundation, a stance we must decisively oppose,” the statement read. Somalia urged all member states to reject external interference that could destabilize the region or diminish trust among nations.
Security Partnership
Recognizing that peace and development are interconnected, the Federal Government expressed appreciation for Italy‘s backing of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Officials noted the extensive history of collaboration between Rome and Mogadishu across the defense sector, affirming Somalia’s readiness to enhance this cooperation under the framework of the Mattei Plan.
