The United Kingdom newly appointed Ambassador to Somalia, Charles Nicholas King, has embarked on a diplomatic tour aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties and supporting Somalia’s stabilization and development efforts.
His visits to Mogadishu and Garowe mark a significant step in deepening UK engagement with both federal and regional leadership.
Strategic Talks in Mogadishu: Security, Elections, and Development
In Mogadishu, Ambassador King was welcomed by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, where the two held in-depth discussions on:
- Counter-terrorism efforts, especially against Al-Shabaab
- Political collaboration and electoral reform
- UK-supported development projects across Somalia
Prime Minister Barre emphasized Somalia’s progress in implementing one-person, one-vote elections, with voter registration already underway in several regions.
Ambassador King commended the Federal Government’s dialogue with the National Consultative Council and reaffirmed the United Kingdom commitment to Somalia’s state-building and democratic transformation.
United Kingdom Ambassador Visit to Garowe: Regional Cooperation to Counter Terrorism
Ambassador King also visited Garowe, the capital of Puntland.
He met with President Said Abdullahi Deni, Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, and members of Puntland Cabinet to discuss:
- Regional security and counter-terrorism operations, including efforts in the Al-Miskad Mountains
- Democratization and inclusive governance
- UK-funded development initiatives, such as infrastructure and civic engagement programs
The UK also donated essential medicines and medical supplies to support Puntland’s anti-terror efforts. Ambassador King praised Puntland’s commitment to combating extremist threats and highlighted the region’s role in Somalia’s broader peace and security architecture.
A Unified Vision for Somalia’s Future
Both visits underscore the UK’s strategic partnership with Somalia, emphasizing collaboration at both federal and regional levels.
Ambassador King described Garowe as a “dynamic city” and expressed optimism about expanding UK-Somalia cooperation to promote stability, prosperity, and inclusive governance.
Who is the New United Kingdom Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Charles King has been appointed as the Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Somalia in May 2025.
He has over two decades of diplomatic experience, serving in key roles across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
His previous roles include:
| Year | Role |
|---|---|
| 2023 to 2024 | FCDO, Joint Head of Israel/OPTs Gaza Taskforce |
| 2020 to 2023 | FCDO, Head of Levant and North Africa Department and UK Special Representative for Syria |
| 2017 to 2020 | Paris, Counsellor, Foreign Policy and Strategic Affairs |
| 2015 to 2016 | FCO, Chief of Staff to Jonathan Powell, PM’s Special Representative for Libya |
| 2012 to 2015 | Istanbul, Head of Syria Office |
| 2010 to 2012 | FCO, Head of Afghanistan Reconciliation and Regional Team |
| 2009 to 2010 | Baghdad, Deputy Head of Political Section |
| 2008 to 2009 | Damascus, Second Secretary Political/Economic |
| 2007 to 2008 | Cairo, Arabic language training |
| 2006 to 2007 | FCO, Head of Africa/Middle East Consular Casework Team |
| 2004 to 2006 | FCO, Deputy Head of EU Accessions Bill Team and Desk Officer for Romania and Bulgaria |
| 2004 | Joined FCO |
Charles King appointment reinforces the United Kingdom commitment to supporting Somalia’s stability, governance, and development through strengthened bilateral relations.
