Kenya and Finland have reaffirmed their joint commitment to sustaining global support for Somalia’s peacebuilding efforts, particularly in light of ongoing regional security shifts and the drawdown of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
The pledge was made during a high-level consultative dialogue between Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Kultaranta Talks, an annual foreign policy forum hosted at the historic Kultaranta Presidential Castle in Naantali, Finland.
In a statement following the meeting, CS Mudavadi highlighted that their discussions focused on the evolving security landscape in Africa, with special emphasis on developments in the Horn of Africa. He noted the importance of maintaining international momentum in supporting Somalia’s transition to stability.
“We underscored the critical need to sustain international momentum behind Somalia’s peacebuilding process, especially in light of the ongoing ATMIS drawdown and heightened regional sensitivities,” said Mudavadi.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of multilateralism and the strengthening of African-led regional mechanisms as sustainable pathways to peace. They expressed strong support for regional blocs such as the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), all of which play key roles in regional stability and integration.
In addition, Mudavadi and President Stubb explored the potential of deploying eminent persons and seasoned diplomats to facilitate dialogue and advance stability in conflict-prone regions.
President Stubb assured Kenya of Europe’s unwavering commitment to supporting Africa’s regional peace frameworks. “I welcomed President Stubb’s assurance of Europe’s continued support for Africa’s regional bodies as they pursue lasting peace and security on the continent,” Mudavadi stated.
The meeting underscored Finland’s growing interest in African affairs and Kenya’s strategic diplomatic engagements aimed at securing sustainable peace and economic cooperation across the Horn of Africa. As ATMIS continues its phased withdrawal from Somalia, both Kenya and Finland reiterated the importance of ensuring that gains made in Somalia are preserved through coordinated international and regional support.
