€102M EU Deal, New Army Chief, Digital Push

31 Jan 2026 — 2 min read

Somalia Brief — Jan 30, 2026

€102 million EU package signed with Somalia. The Federal Government and the European Union formalized a €102 million cooperation agreement in Mogadishu to provide budget support and finance pillars of state‑building tied to Somalia’s National Development Plan. (Read: SONNA)
Why it matters: The funds are earmarked to reinforce institutional capacity and sustain fiscal reforms that the government says underpin public services and longer‑term development projects. (Details)
Officials involved: The signing followed talks between EU representatives and Somalia’s Finance and Planning ministers: H.E. Biixi Imaan Cige and H.E. Mohamud Abdirahman “Beenebeene.” (Source)

New Somali National Army commander appointed. Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud was approved by the Council of Ministers as Commander of the SNA, highlighted for logistics, academic credentials and regional experience. (SONNA)
Federal Energy Minister leads intergovernmental summit in Dhusamareeb. H.E. Abdullahi Bidhaan Warsame arrived to chair a Coordination Meeting of Energy and Water Ministries with federal and state officials. (SONNA)
First National Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Summit set for Feb 14–15. Key agencies (Central Bank, NCA, NIRA, DPA) will map Somalia’s digital transformation and interoperability strategy. (SONNA)

New commander of EU Training Mission (EUTM‑S) assumes command. Brigadier General Elio Manes took over at EUTM headquarters in Mogadishu, stressing deeper cooperation to enable Somali forces to lead operations; mission’s 9th Mandate includes potential regional expansion pending approvals. (SONNA)
Somali security delegation attends anti‑trafficking summit in Rome. Senior Somali security and immigration officials joined Italy and Egypt in talks to disrupt smuggling networks and boost intelligence sharing. (SONNA)

Foreign Minister in New Delhi for Arab‑India meeting. H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali arrived to press for stronger political and economic ties and South‑South cooperation. (SONNA)
Deputy Information Minister visits London. H.E. Abdirahman Yusuf Al Adala arrived for strategic talks and met a reception of UK‑based Somali diaspora and media representatives. (SONNA)
Somalia closes UNSC presidency with New York gala. The Permanent Mission hosted a reception marking Somalia’s return to Security Council leadership after a 54‑year gap, featuring cultural performances. (SONNA)

Mogadishu port talks with EU ambassador on expansion and maritime security. State Minister of Ports H.E. Mohamed Abdulkadir hosted the EU delegation and guided an inspection tour as part of modernization planning. (SONNA)

Somali diaspora and media professionals welcomed the Deputy Minister of Information at Heathrow, reflecting active diaspora engagement in London. (SONNA)
Cultural diplomacy featured prominently in New York — Somali artists performed at the UNSC presidency closing reception. (SONNA)
At Mogadishu Port, EU diplomats joined a hands‑on inspection tour of terminals after meetings on expansion and maritime safety. (SONNA)
EUTM’s handover ceremony in Mogadishu showcased a formal transfer of command at the mission headquarters. (SONNA)

Implementation of the €102M package — watch for details on disbursement, specific projects, and alignment with Somalia’s National Development Plan. (SONNA)
Outcomes of the National DPI Summit (Feb 14–15) — expect frameworks on interoperability, data protection and agency roles. (SONNA)
Results from the Arab‑India Foreign Ministers meeting and any concrete economic agreements or investment pledges involving Somalia. (SONNA)
EUTM‑S scope — whether the mission’s mandate will expand to regional headquarters, which the mission notes is contingent on approvals and security conditions. (SONNA)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.