Mogadishu, Somalia – The United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, has reaffirmed his country’s support for Somali civil society following a meeting on Monday in Mogadishu with representatives of the Somali Non-State Actors (SONSA).
The dialogue, held at the British Embassy, focused on the role of civil society organizations in sustaining peace, strengthening governance and driving grassroots development. Amb. King described SONSA’s contribution as pivotal, stressing that lasting progress in Somalia cannot be achieved without the inclusion of citizen voices.
“Civil society is not a side actor — it is central to Somalia’s future. Their voice is key to Somalia’s future,” he said, calling for continued cooperation between government institutions, international partners and local advocacy groups.
Representatives from SONSA welcomed the engagement, noting that civil society often bridges the gap between policymakers and communities. They highlighted the importance of ensuring that national priorities — from security to economic recovery — reflect the needs of ordinary citizens.
The meeting comes as Somalia navigates critical state-building reforms and nationwide reconciliation efforts. With political tensions and humanitarian challenges still present, stakeholders are increasingly turning to collaborative approaches that amplify public participation.
By placing civil society at the heart of its diplomatic messaging, the UK signaled a growing international consensus: the resilience of Somalia’s future depends not only on institutions and security forces, but also on the strength of its citizens’ collective voice.