South West State, EU Agree To Deepen Security and Development Cooperation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: South West State President Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe and the European Union’s capacity-building mission in Somalia have agreed to strengthen cooperation on security, institutional development and public services. .

Madobe, who is visiting Mogadishu, held talks with Kęstutis Lančinskas, head of the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia), with discussions focused on expanding EU support for security institutions and development in South West State.

The meeting produced a reaffirmation of both sides’ commitment to closer cooperation, with particular emphasis on improving the capacity of security institutions and supporting stability across the state.

Madobe welcomed the EU’s continued assistance to Somalia and stressed the need for greater cooperation in security, development and the delivery of public services, according to a statement from his office.

Lančinskas, in turn, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working with Somali institutions to strengthen their ability to provide security and contribute to stability, the statement said.

The engagement comes as Somalia seeks to strengthen its national and regional security institutions while gradually assuming greater responsibility for security following years of heavy reliance on international military and financial support.

South West State, comprising Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle, is an important part of those efforts. The region has faced persistent security challenges, including attacks and territorial activity by Al-Shabaab, while its authorities are also working to improve the delivery of basic services and strengthen local institutions.

For the EU, security-sector assistance has increasingly focused not only on operational capacity but also on helping Somali institutions develop the systems and skills needed to manage security independently and sustainably.

The meeting in Mogadishu therefore provides an opportunity for South West State and its European partners to translate existing cooperation into further institutional and development support, particularly in areas where stronger public institutions could have a direct impact on communities.

Madobe was accompanied by the South West State security minister, the director-general of the presidency and other officials from his office.