Somalia and Italy share a long, complex relationship rooted in history, diplomacy, and development cooperation.
Let’s explore the relations between both countries from the past to the present.
Historical Foundations of Somalia and Italy Relations
- Colonial Era: Italy established Italian Somaliland in 1889 after signing treaties with Somali sultanates. It became part of Italian East Africa in 1936.
- Trusteeship Period (1950–1960): After WWII, the UN granted Italy a unique trusteeship over Somalia (AFIS), tasked with preparing the country for independence. This was the only trusteeship ever given to a defeated power.
- Independence & Early Ties: Somalia gained independence in 1960, merging British and Italian territories. Many Somali leaders were educated in Italy, and Italian remained influential in academia and governance.
Somalia and Italy Modern Cooperation
- Embassies: Italy reopened its embassy in Mogadishu in 2014.
Somalia maintains an embassy in Rome. - Security Collaboration:
- Italy leads the EU Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM), supporting the Somali Armed Forces.
- The MIADIT program, run by Italy’s Carabinieri, has trained over 1,400 Somali police officers.
- Education & Cultural Exchange:
- Italian remains widely spoken among Somali elites.
- Somali National University has historical ties to Italian academia.
- Development Aid:
- Italy funds multi-sector projects in Somalia—health, education, infrastructure, and food security.
- Between 2014 and 2017, Italian aid to Somalia more than doubled, reaching €18.5 million.
Somali National Army Chief Meets Italian Military Leadership to Boost Defense Collaboration
Lieutenant General Odawaa Yusuf Raage, Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), is currently on an official visit to Italy aimed at reinforcing bilateral military cooperation.
The high-level engagement marks a pivotal moment in the evolving defense partnership between Somalia and Italy.
During the visit, General Odawaa and his delegation were formally welcomed at the Italian General Command by General Luciano Portolano, Commander of the Italian Army.
Along with senior Italian military officials.
The ceremonial reception highlighted the growing diplomatic and defense ties between the two nations.
Somalia and Italy Strategic Talks Focus on Training, Logistics, and Regional Security
A closed-door meeting between General Odawaa and General Portolano served as the cornerstone of the visit.
While specific outcomes were not immediately disclosed, discussions reportedly focused on expanding joint training programs, enhancing logistical support, and coordinating efforts to address regional security challenges—particularly in the Horn of Africa.
This initiative aligns with Italy’s long-standing commitment to Somalia’s stability, including its contributions to the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM-Somalia) and support for counterterrorism operations.
Strengthening the Somali National Army’s Capabilities
The visit underscores the SNA’s ongoing efforts to professionalize its forces and build strategic alliances with international partners.
Italy’s historical role in Somalia’s post-independence development continues to shape its defense diplomacy, with both nations expressing a shared vision for peace and security.
Military analysts suggest that this meeting could pave the way for future agreements involving joint exercises, equipment modernization, and intelligence sharing—key components in Somalia’s fight against extremist groups like Al-Shabaab.
