Somalia Joins Madrid Counterterrorism Dialogue

MADRID, Spain: The Special Envoy of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremist Ideologies, MP Aweys Mohamed Omar, participated in the closing session of the international conference titled ‘Madrid Dialogue on Counterterrorism Cooperation in Africa,’ held in Madrid, Spain. During the conference, the Envoy held productive meetings with officials and representatives from various governments and international organizations, where he shared Somalia’s experience in combating terrorism and highlighted the efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia in preventing and countering violent extremism.

The high-level discussions focused directly on the geopolitical implications of emerging technologies, specifically exploring how modern digital platforms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) shape contemporary asymmetric warfare. In his address to the plenary assembly, Special Envoy Aweys Mohamed Omar clarified that for Somalia, mitigating these digital threats is not an abstract academic exercise but an immediate national security necessity. He outlined how insurgent groups have systematically exploited advanced digital technologies and social media ecosystems to deploy sophisticated propaganda campaigns targeting vulnerable youth across the Horn of Africa region.

Somalia Engages in Bilateral Counter-Terrorism Consultations at Madrid Dialogue

The Special Envoy held high-level consultations along the main plenary table with counterparts from participating states, including Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Togo, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. During these bilateral exchanges, the Somali delegation emphasized that countering localized violent extremism requires robust international intelligence fusion and synchronized state-level regulation of digital networks. The Federal Government’s active engagement in Madrid ensures that Somalia’s domestic combat successes and strategic perspective are directly integrated into the upcoming global governance frameworks regulating artificial intelligence and digital security on the continent.

This engagement builds on Somalia’s recent diplomatic push to deepen security ties with international partners. Somalia and INTERPOL have deepened cooperation to combat transnational organized crime, terrorism, and illicit trafficking, reflecting Mogadishu’s growing role in global security frameworks.

Special Envoy Brings Extensive Counter-Extremism Experience

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointed MP Aweys Mohamed Omar as the Presidential Special Envoy for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) in November 2025. The President urged the new envoy to serve the nation with integrity, competence, and national responsibility. In his role, Envoy Aweys Mohamed Omar focuses on strengthening security and reinforcing state institutions, preventing extremism and combating violent extremist ideologies, enhancing cooperation between communities and security institutions, and developing national P/CVE policies.

He brings extensive experience from his work across security institutions, public policy, and counter-extremism initiatives, equipping him to effectively carry out these responsibilities. The Special Envoy has previously spoken out against disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining counter-terrorism operations. Aweys Mohamed Omar categorically dismissed reports of secret negotiations with Al-Shabaab, calling the allegations false and designed to mislead the public. He emphasized that the government remains focused on militarily defeating the militant group and eliminating its ideological underpinnings.

Expanding Strategic Counter-Terrorism Partnerships

Somalia’s counter-terrorism architecture continues to expand through strategic international partnerships. The Ministry of Internal Security and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have vowed complete dedication to freeing the nation from the Al-Shabaab insurgency, following a series of high-level diplomatic meetings and successful frontline offensives.

The Madrid Dialogue engagement also aligns with Somalia’s growing presence in global security governance. Somalia and Spain recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations, establishing a framework for regular dialogue between the two nations. The agreement marks a key step in deepening bilateral ties and reflects Somalia’s growing diplomatic engagement, including its role on the UN Security Council. The Envoy also expressed appreciation to the Government of Spain and the conference organizers for their continued support toward security, stability, and international cooperation.