Somali-Italian Cooperation in the Fight Against Terrorism: Is Rome Searching for the Lost Land?

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud made a three-day visit to Italy to discuss cooperation in various fields, including security, investment, and trade. The visit comes after Somalia launched a military operation against armed organizations, particularly Al-Shabaab, in May 2022.

During his visit, President Mahmoud met with senior Italian officials in Rome, including Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, to discuss bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them in politics, economics, and security. The Italian Prime Minister stated that her country supports Somalia in achieving stability, peace, and prosperity through military operations against terrorists.

Observers believe that the visit reflects a new direction in Italian foreign policy to restore an influential role in the Horn of Africa after years of apathy and absence from the region. The Italian news agency Nova suggested that Italy is attempting to regain lost territory in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

In November 2021, the Somali federal government and the Italian government signed several cooperation agreements to start a new phase of friendship between the two countries. The Italian government has also contributed to the training of more than 2,800 Somali police officers and given scholarships to veterinarians.

The Italian government's support for Somalia in the fight against terrorism is significant, as Somalia has been plagued by terrorist attacks from various groups, including Al-Shabaab. The Somali president's visit to Italy and the discussions on security cooperation between the two countries suggest a joint effort to combat terrorism in the region.

As Italy seeks to regain its influence in the Horn of Africa, it remains to be seen how its cooperation with Somalia will affect the balance of power in the region. Nevertheless, President Mahmoud's visit to Italy signifies a step towards a stronger partnership between the two countries in the fight against terrorism.

Dr. Muhammad Fouad Rashwan, an expert in African studies, explains that President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud's agenda also focuses on rebuilding the country's economy and infrastructure, which has been devastated by years of conflict and instability. The president aims to attract foreign investment and rebuild key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and telecommunications.

Rashwan further points out that the Somali president's visit to Italy can also be seen as a move to expand the country's diplomatic relations and gain more allies in the international community. This is particularly important for Somalia, which has been isolated from the world for many years due to the civil war and political instability. With the support of Italy and other international partners, the Somali government can address the many challenges it faces, including terrorism, poverty, and unemployment.

In conclusion, President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud's visit to Italy highlights the growing cooperation between Somalia and Italy in various fields, particularly in the fight against terrorism. It also marks Italy's attempt to regain its influence in the Horn of Africa, which is seen as a key region for global powers due to its vast natural resources and strategic location. As the Somali president seeks to rebuild his country and attract foreign investment, Italy and other international partners can play a vital role in supporting Somalia's efforts to achieve stability, peace, and prosperity.