After over three decades without a diplomatic presence in Somalia, Norway has officially announced its plans to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu in 2021. This marks a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two nations and is a testament to Norway’s renewed commitment to peace, development, and strategic cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
The reopening of the embassy is accompanied by the recognition of the Somali passport by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, a move that has been warmly welcomed by the large Somali diaspora residing in Norway. Norwegian officials have emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation and building stronger institutional ties to support Somalia’s state-building efforts, economic recovery, and long-term stability.
As part of its development and humanitarian engagement, Norway, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Federal Government of Somalia, has launched a new food security project aimed at supporting around 36,000 people in the flood- and drought-affected regions of Hirshabelle and Jubaland. This initiative is a key component of FAO’s El Niño Mitigation, Preparedness and Response Plan, which was activated to provide anticipatory action and emergency response to vulnerable communities expected to be hardest hit by the climate crisis.
The food security project seeks to protect livelihoods, strengthen local food systems, and promote sustainable recovery from the recurring climatic shocks that continue to affect Somalia. Norwegian support for this initiative reflects its broader humanitarian values and its commitment to helping Somalia enhance resilience and improve food security amid environmental challenges.
In addition to humanitarian aid, Norway continues to play a vital role in supporting Somalia’s economic recovery and institutional development. In 2022, the Norwegian government announced a significant contribution of $30 million to the World Bank-administered Somali Multi-Partner Fund (MPF). This funding is intended to support critical reforms, build governance institutions, and promote inclusive growth, in alignment with Somalia’s National Development Plan.
Norway has also expressed willingness to cancel Somalia’s debt arrears amounting to NOK 16 million, contingent on Somalia receiving debt treatment under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative and the Paris Club agreement. “If Somalia receives debt treatment in the Paris Club under the HIPC initiative, this debt will be cancelled,” stated Minister of International Development Dag-Inge Ulstein.
Diplomatic engagement has also been strengthened through high-level visits and participation in global forums. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Government of Somalia recently visited Oslo, where he met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Their meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors including security, development, trade, and education. The leaders emphasized their shared commitment to promoting peace and regional stability.
President Mohamud was also invited to participate in a major peace conference hosted in Oslo from June 11 to June 12, where he engaged with other international leaders to discuss collective solutions to regional and global challenges. The visit highlighted the growing partnership between Somalia and Norway and demonstrated Norway’s role as a reliable ally in Somalia’s state-building and peacebuilding processes.
On a regional level, Norway is also working closely with local Somali administrations. Norwegian Ambassador to Somalia, Carsten Carlsen, alongside senior officials from the Nordic International Support Foundation (NIS), recently paid an official visit to the city of Las Anod, where they were warmly received by the leader of SSC-Khaatumo, Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali. During the meeting, both sides discussed key areas of cooperation, including peacebuilding, governance, and ongoing development and humanitarian projects implemented by Norway in the region.
The SSC-Khaatumo leader commended the historic friendship between the people of SSC and the Norwegian government, expressing gratitude for Norway’s continued commitment to sustainable development and peace in the region. He also reiterated SSC-Khaatumo’s position as a symbol of peace and its readiness to live in harmony with neighboring communities, while contributing to the broader stability of the Horn of Africa.
In summary, Norway’s re-engagement with Somalia reflects a multi-faceted and deeply strategic approach. From reopening its diplomatic mission in Mogadishu to supporting large-scale humanitarian and development initiatives, and engaging with both federal and local authorities, Norway is reaffirming its long-standing support for the Somali people. The growing cooperation between the two nations stands as a model for meaningful international partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared interests, and a common vision for a peaceful and prosperous Somalia.
