Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Brussels on Tuesday to participate in the Global Gateway Forum, a prestigious event that brings together high-level government representatives, financial institutions, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and international organizations.
The forum, hosted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to promote sustainable investment and cooperation in various sectors across the globe.
Under the theme of “Stronger Together through Sustainable Investment,” the Global Gateway Forum will showcase the progress made in implementing the Global Gateway strategy. This strategy represents the European Union’s commitment to transparent and high-quality investments in connectivity, health, education, and research systems worldwide.
President Mohamud is expected to address the gathering and shed light on critical global issues. His speech will specifically focus on the urgent need for investments in infrastructure development, the transition to green energy, and the importance of education in driving socio-economic progress.
During his visit, President Mohamud will engage in several bilateral meetings with European leaders on the sidelines of the forum. Reports suggest that one of his primary objectives is to advocate for funding support for the ongoing military operations in Somalia.
In September, the Somali government appealed to the United Nations Security Council, requesting a 90-day pause in the drawdown of the 3,000 peacekeepers stationed in the country.
The aim is to maintain stability and security amid the ongoing offensive against the group al-Shabab.
Last month, Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, Djibouti, and Uganda, which contribute troops to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), jointly called on the UN Security Council to implement a similar pause in the peacekeepers’ drawdown. Their request was based on a joint technical assessment, which revealed a fragile situation, particularly in areas where military bases are being handed over to the Somali National Army or scheduled for closure.
