Somalia Calls for Equal Partnership at Italy-Africa Summit

Two years after the inaugural Italy–Africa Summit in Rome, Somali leaders have reiterated the importance of transforming traditional cooperation frameworks into partnerships grounded in Africa’s priorities and the continent’s right to determine its own destiny.

Reflecting on the outcomes of the first summit held in Rome, Somalia emphasized that Italy–Africa cooperation must move beyond legacy models toward strategic collaboration focused on infrastructure investment, sustainable growth, and long-term stability.

From Somalia’s perspective, priority areas are clear: strengthening social services, creating employment opportunities for youth, ensuring food security, and integrating the national economy into regional and global markets. These pillars are seen as essential to building resilience and driving inclusive economic development.

Somalia also stressed that Africa’s progress must be firmly anchored in the protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of its member states, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the African Union Constitutive Act. Leaders noted that these principles are not aspirational ideals but binding legal obligations essential for maintaining international order and regional stability.

In this context, Somalia strongly rejected actions it described as targeting its sovereignty, warning that unilateral measures undermine international law and weaken the global system. The government called on all African Union member states to stand firmly against any form of external interference that threatens regional peace, destabilizes the continent, and erodes mutual trust among nations.

Recognizing the link between peace and development, Somalia underscored the importance of security cooperation between Italy and Africa. Officials expressed appreciation for Italy’s support to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), highlighting its role in advancing stabilization efforts.

Somalia further affirmed its readiness to strengthen collaboration with Italy and all partners involved in the Mattei Plan, guided by mutual trust, responsibility, shared interests, and a unified vision for a prosperous and self-reliant Africa.