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By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 17 November 2025 – Somalia’s South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has met with the new European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, during her first official visit to a Federal Member State since assuming office in September.
According to the South West presidency, the discussions focused on security operations against Al-Shabab, humanitarian support, development projects, and preparations for upcoming local council elections.
President Laftagareen thanked the European Union for its long-standing support to communities in South West, particularly in security, economic recovery, and stabilization.
He said the EU remains a key partner for the region as it navigates political and security challenges.
“We held in-depth discussions on Somalia’s situation — especially security and the fight against Al-Shabaab, as well as humanitarian assistance and economic support,” President Laftagareen said.
He added that both sides also reviewed the ongoing voter registration process in South West districts and the timeline for the upcoming local council elections.
Ambassador Di Mauro, who led a delegation including the EU Training Mission Commander General Manzoni and members of the EU cooperation team, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Somalia and South West State.
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“The European Union remains a stable and committed partner to Somalia in general, and to South West State in particular,” Ambassador Di Mauro said.
“We will continue to support, as we have done with the over €40 million in development cooperation, over €10 million for humanitarian.”
She praised the hospitality shown during her visit and noted that South West State plays an important role in Somalia’s evolving political landscape.
“We had fruitful discussions with the President on the development of the state, his vision, and the role South West can play as Somalia prepares for elections,” she added.
Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination on development programmes, security cooperation, and election readiness across all districts in the state.
The meeting was attended by several South West State ministers, along with the Director-General of the Presidency.
