Somalia Confirms Return of Entire Delegation From Geneva After Crucial International Engagements
Mogadishu, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia has officially confirmed the safe return of its entire delegation from Geneva, Switzerland, following a series of high-level engagements with international partners, multilateral institutions, and diplomatic stakeholders. The delegation, which was led by senior government officials and diplomats, concluded its multi-day visit, which aimed at advancing Somalia’s foreign policy priorities and strengthening ties with key international organizations, including the United Nations and the Human Rights Council.
The Somali delegation participated in several meetings and forums in Geneva, particularly within the framework of the UN Human Rights Council’s 56th session, which began earlier this month. Throughout the visit, the team engaged in discussions on a wide array of topics, including human rights development, humanitarian challenges, counter-terrorism cooperation, migration, climate resilience, and institutional reforms.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the delegation included representatives from the Ministries of Justice, Women and Human Rights Development, Planning, Health, and Defense, along with legal advisors, diplomats, and civil society observers. The government emphasized that their coordinated presence in Geneva was part of a broader strategy to elevate Somalia’s voice on the global stage and to showcase the country’s ongoing reforms and national priorities.
“The entire Somali delegation has returned home safely and successfully concluded their mission in Geneva,” a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs read. “The meetings held were both productive and encouraging. We appreciate the hospitality of the host institutions and the constructive dialogue we engaged in with our international partners.”
One of the key moments during the visit was Somalia’s presentation of its national progress report on human rights commitments and obligations. The delegation reaffirmed Somalia’s dedication to promoting the rule of law, protecting fundamental freedoms, and ensuring justice for all citizens, despite the ongoing challenges posed by security threats and climate-related crises.
Somalia also took the opportunity to appeal to the international community for increased support, particularly in the fields of capacity building, development financing, and stabilization efforts in areas recently liberated from the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. The delegation underscored the importance of partnership and mutual respect as Somalia continues on its path of recovery and nation-building.
While in Geneva, Somalia’s representatives held bilateral meetings with counterparts from various countries, as well as with UN agencies and NGOs. Topics of discussion included collaborative efforts in peacekeeping, health sector reform, food security, gender equality, and disaster preparedness. Somalia’s Minister of Women and Human Rights Development, in particular, emphasized the government’s push to strengthen legal protections for women and children, and called for international solidarity in addressing gender-based violence.
The return of the delegation was also met with a warm reception by government officials and stakeholders in Mogadishu, who hailed the visit as a diplomatic success. According to analysts, the Geneva mission not only served to reaffirm Somalia’s commitment to global cooperation but also positioned the country to benefit from continued engagement with key international partners.
Political observers note that such diplomatic initiatives are increasingly vital for Somalia as it seeks to rebuild its institutions, attract investment, and consolidate peace after decades of conflict. The visit to Geneva also demonstrated the government’s intention to lead from the front on international platforms, asserting Somalia’s presence and advocating for shared global solutions to regional challenges.
The Ministry further announced that follow-up engagements will be initiated in the coming weeks to implement the outcomes of the Geneva discussions and to strengthen technical cooperation with development partners. These include further consultations with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and other Geneva-based agencies.
In closing remarks after the delegation’s return, the Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Somalia remains committed to the values of diplomacy, transparency, and international partnership. “Our country has made significant strides, and our voice must continue to be heard in global forums. The Geneva visit has opened new doors, and we are determined to build on this momentum for the benefit of our people.”
The return of the delegation marks a positive diplomatic milestone for Somalia, reflecting its deepening engagement with the international community and signaling a forward-looking approach to national development and global cooperation.
