Relations between Germany and Somalia have picked up considerably since 2012, as the political situation has slowly improved in the country. Germany is considered a reliable partner – one that is keen to promote a stable and democratic Somalia.

Large parts of the population are affected by food insecurity and dependent on emergency relief measures on a long-term basis. Droughts and floods paired with armed conflict threaten the livelihoods of many Somalis. According to UN estimates, there are at least 2.9 million internally displaced persons in the country. The ongoing serious drought caused by four rainy seasons in a row with below average precipitation is further exacerbating the precarious situation. Germany is Somalia’s second-largest humanitarian donor. The German Government contributes inter alia to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and provides assistance to Somali refugees in neighbouring countries.

Development cooperation is currently supported to the tune of 450 million euro, which is used for technical and financial cooperation projects and for NGO projects. This cooperation focuses on peace and social cohesion, life without hunger, transforming the food system, sustainable economic development, training and employment. The German Government is one of the largest contributors to development cooperation with Somalia.

In addition, Germany is supporting democratisation in Somalia and the establishment of federal state structures. This is being done within a multi-dimensional crisis prevention, stabilisation and post-conflict peacebuilding strategy. Furthermore, the German Government is involved in setting up a federal police force, as well as in demobilising and reintegrating former al-Shabaab fighters. It also supports local mediation and reconciliation processes, as well as efforts to control small arms.

Moreover, Germany participates in civilian and military EU and UN missions and operations. In addition to seconding police officers to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Germany takes part in the European Union’s counter-piracy Operation Atalanta and contributes to the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia), which is intended to enhance Somali capabilities in the field of maritime security. The EU also has a military training mission in Somalia (EUTM SOM).