MOGADISHU — The Head of Mission of EUCAP Somalia, together with the Mission Force Commander of the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia), has welcomed a senior delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands during an official visit to the International Compound in the capital.
The delegation was led by the Dutch Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia, Henk Jan Bakker, and included Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Stijn Janssen, Deputy Ambassador Laurie Visser, and Political Affairs and Security Officer Ahmed Mohamed.
During the visit, the delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the missions’ ongoing programs and activities, followed by discussions on current developments connected to their respective mandates in Somalia.
Strengthening Somalia-Netherlands Partnership
The meeting follows recent high-level engagements between Somali and Dutch officials. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hasan Mohamed Ali engaged in discussions with Ambassador Bakker along with the Netherlands’ Envoy for the Horn of Africa during a pivotal period as Somalia advances in governance and stabilization efforts. Both parties aligned on contemporary political developments, security cooperation, and priority engagement areas.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the significance of continued international partnership to bolster security, expedite economic growth, and transform progress into tangible benefits for the Somali populace. Discussions centered on broadening collaboration in high-impact sectors, particularly agriculture, water management, food security, and healthcare systems — domains where Dutch expertise provides considerable strategic advantage.
Dutch Support for EU Missions in Somalia
The European Union’s security and defense missions in Somalia, including EUCAP Somalia and EUTM Somalia, have been extended until February 28, 2027, demonstrating the EU’s continued commitment to enhancing security, stability, and governance in the country EU Extends its Somalia Defense and Security Missions. EUCAP Somalia focuses on strengthening Somalia’s maritime security, police capabilities, and the rule of law, while EUTM Somalia is dedicated to strengthening the Somali National Armed Forces through specialized military training and capacity-building.
Both missions operate under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). EUCAP Somalia has been instrumental in building the capacity of the Somali Police Force and maritime authorities, including training over 700 federal Darawish officers DPM Jama Commends EU for Role in Stabilizing Somalia.
EU-Somalia Security Cooperation
Somalia and the European Union have reached an agreement to boost military collaboration, emphasizing the reinforcement of the Somali National Army (SNA) and maintaining global backing for current security operations Somalia, EU Enhance Security Cooperation. High-level discussions took place between Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and General Seán Clancy, Chairman of the European Union Military Committee.
Both parties pledged to increase EU-supported training initiatives and continue providing logistical and technical support. The agreement aims to assist Somalia in developing an independent national defense force equipped to handle expanded security duties.
EUTM Somalia Leadership and Training Programs
Brigadier General Elio Manes officially assumed command of EUTM Somalia in January 2026, marking a leadership transition intended to enhance the capabilities of the Somali Security Forces Brigadier General Elio Manes Takes Charge of EU Training Mission in Somalia, Promotes Local Security Leadership.
“I am privileged to lead EUTM-S at this pivotal moment,” Brigadier General Manes remarked. “Our priority will be to enhance collaboration with Somali counterparts enabling them to progressively manage their own security initiatives.”
Operating under its 9th Mandate, EUTM Somalia continues its mission of developing security forces accountable to the Federal Government of Somalia. The mission offers strategic counsel to security institutions based in the Mogadishu vicinity, alongside specialized mentoring in training methodologies. EUTM-S has launched specialized training courses for officers of the SNA at the General Dhagabadan Training Centre (GDTC), focusing on mission planning using the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) EUTM-S Trains Somali Soldiers in Mission Planning at GDTC.
Maritime Security Capacity Building
The European Union has been actively supporting Somalia’s maritime security sector through EUCAP Somalia. UNTMIS and EUCAP Somalia jointly conducted an intensive ten-day training program on Vessel Traffic Management and Information Systems (VTMIS) in Mogadishu, bringing together 16 officers from various Somali maritime institutions Somalia Maritime Officers Trained on Vessel Traffic Management.
Key focus areas included vessel monitoring, detection of navigational anomalies, ensuring safe maritime traffic flow, and enhancing coordination among relevant agencies through improved information sharing mechanisms. This initiative aligns with Somalia’s Maritime Resource and Security Strategy and supports the country’s efforts to reassert control over its territorial waters following decades of conflict and instability.
Netherlands’ Development Support in Puntland
Beyond security cooperation, the Netherlands has been actively engaged in supporting Somalia’s development priorities, particularly in the water and sanitation sector. UNICEF Somalia, in collaboration with the Government of the Netherlands, visited Puntland to showcase progress under the Accelerated Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA) program and officially launch the WASH Sustainability Report and Response Plan Netherlands, UNICEF Highlight WASH Progress in Puntland.
The Netherlands’ Ambassador was welcomed by UNICEF officials and Puntland’s Ministry of Water leadership during a joint mission that featured community engagements and high-level discussions on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. The ASWA program, funded by the Dutch government, focuses on enhancing access to safe water and adequate sanitation in underserved areas, while also promoting sustainable WASH practices.
Commitment to Security Cooperation
EU mission leadership expressed appreciation for the Netherlands’ continued engagement and support, highlighting its role in strengthening security cooperation and institutional development efforts in the country. Both parties affirmed their mutual dedication to fostering practical, outcome-oriented collaboration that enhances Somalia’s development path and promotes regional stability.
The delegation’s visit underscores the Netherlands’ continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s security sector reform and stabilization efforts, as well as the broader EU strategy to ensure sustainable security and governance in the country.
