Decoding the news. H.E. Ibrahim Omar Shegow, who presented his credentials to President Sergio Mattarella on April 7, told our sister website Formiche (in an interview by Vas Shenoy) that Somalia counts on Italy to play a leading role in stabilisation and development.
- “Prime Minister Meloni has given Somalia great importance in her Mattei Plan, which we count on,” he said.
Over the horizon. Italy and Somalia share deep historical and cultural ties, including linguistic and educational links from the colonial era.
- Shegow said these connections position Italy as a natural partner for Somalia’s future, especially in key areas like the blue economy, agriculture, and youth training.
Zoom into the sea. The ambassador stressed the importance of Italy’s expertise in maritime industries and food security.
- Somalia, with over 3,300 kilometres of coastline, faces environmental and economic losses due to illegal fishing and a lack of coastal infrastructure.
- “Italy is a peninsula and has this expertise,” Shegow said, adding that Rome could help Somalia develop its capacity to export fish directly to European markets and build jobs at home.
- He also highlighted the need for Italian support in agriculture, including “training youth or assisting at solar pumps and other renewable energy sources.”
What’s happening in Mogadishu. Somalia is undergoing significant internal reforms aimed at strengthening governance and democratic participation.
- Under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the country is moving toward universal suffrage—a substantial shift from the clan-based “4.5 formula” used since 1997.
- “One person, one vote will see the end of the 4.5 formula and divisions it has created between the Somali people,” said Shegow. The new identity cards, he noted, will also expand access to public services.
On security, the biggest issue. While the government has made strides in reclaiming territory from Al-Shabab militants, Shegow acknowledged persistent challenges—including the threat of transnational terrorism and the lack of a national coast guard to patrol strategic waters.
- “There is a great security risk of collaboration between various terrorist groups,” he warned, pointing to concerns about Houthi infiltration and the use of Somali territory as a transit hub.
Yes, but… Despite international backing, Shegow underscored the need for Somalia to develop self-sufficient security and economic systems—and emphasised the role Italian cooperation could play in that process.
What we’re watching. Shegow’s arrival in Rome—and his fluent Italian—symbolise Somalia’s intent to deepen engagement with Italy.
- His comments reinforce Italy’s ambitions to expand its African presence through the Mattei Plan, which Rome envisions a “Mediterranean-to-Indian Ocean” partnership framework.
- As Somalia prepares for national elections in 2026, the success of the “one citizen, one vote” initiative and the depth of Italian investment under the Mattei Plan could become key indicators of long-term stabilisation.
