Somalia’s President Renews Commitment to China Partnership at FOCAC Summit
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s attendance at the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) in Beijing marked a pivotal moment in strengthening Somalia’s bilateral ties with China. The high-level summit, held from September 3-4, brought together African leaders and top Chinese officials to discuss economic cooperation, security, and sustainable development across the continent.
In his address, President Mohamud lauded China’s longstanding support for Somalia’s nation-building efforts and expressed his government’s commitment to further enhancing the strategic partnership between the two nations. “Somalia stands ready to work closely with China in areas of mutual interest, including infrastructure development, trade, and investment,” he stated.
The president’s visit to Beijing comes at a critical juncture for Somalia, as the country seeks to rebuild its economy and infrastructure after decades of civil unrest. China, a global economic powerhouse, has emerged as a key partner in Africa’s development, investing billions of dollars in projects across the continent.
During his stay, President Mohamud held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they discussed a range of issues, including Somalia’s efforts to combat terrorism, achieve political stability, and attract foreign investment. Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s peace and reconstruction process, pledging continued assistance in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and capacity building.
One of the key outcomes of the summit was the announcement of a new $60 billion package from China to support African countries’ development initiatives. Somalia is expected to benefit from this funding, which could be channeled towards projects such as the renovation of the Mogadishu International Airport and the construction of vital transportation links.
Analysts have hailed the strengthening of Somalia-China relations as a positive step for the Horn of Africa nation’s economic revival. “China’s investments in infrastructure and trade could act as a catalyst for Somalia’s economic growth, creating employment opportunities and attracting further foreign investment,” said Dr. Ahmed Ismail, a political economist at the University of Mogadishu.
However, some experts have cautioned against over-reliance on Chinese funding, citing concerns over debt sustainability and the potential for political influence. “Somalia must carefully navigate this partnership, ensuring that projects align with the country’s long-term interests and that debt levels remain manageable,” noted Dr. Fatima Aden, a researcher at the Somali Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies.
As President Mohamud returns from the FOCAC summit, the onus is now on his administration to translate the pledges and agreements into tangible outcomes for the Somali people. Effective implementation of development projects, coupled with robust governance and transparency measures, will be crucial in ensuring that the deepening Somalia-China partnership yields sustainable benefits for the nation’s economic and social progress.
