Topic: 2025-Situation in Somalia
Country: Russian Federation
Delegate Name: Victoria Reichel
The Russian Federation understands and acknowledges the critical security situation that Somalia is facing and is reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity of the Somali State. Somalia’s deep history of colonialism, different internal strife, and external interventions of sorts have added to its current situation of political instability and many security concerns. The Russian Federation will remain committed to supporting Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and efforts toward peace and higher developments.
Russia has engagement with Somalia comes back to the 1960s, following Somalia’s new independence. At that time the Soviet Union provided substantial support to Somalia’s military and economic state, which included a $32 million loan in 1962 to help modernize the Somali National Army. This was instrumental is strengthening bilateral relations and helping enhance Somalia’s defensive capabilities. However, these geopolitical dynamics shifted in the late 1970s. In 1977, following Somalia’s initiation of the Ogaden against Ethiopia, the Soviet Union made the decision to support Ethiopia, leading to the expulsion of Soviet advisors from Somalia in November of 1977. This time period started the downturn in bilateral relations, subdued until recently.
The Russian Federation recognizes the constant threat the Al-Shabaab is posing, an organization that is designated as a terrorist group by numerous countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. The activities Al-Shabaab commits undermine regional stability and hinder Somalia’s path to peace and development. In May of 2023, Russia extended an offer to support the Somali National Army in its fight against terrorist groups, reaffirming it’s commitment to Somalia’s security and sovereignty. This offer directly underscores Russia’s dedication to combating accounts of terrorism and helping to promote stability in the Horn of Africa.
Beyond the security cooperation, Russia has been very involved in addressing the humanitarian challenges that occur in Somalia, in July 2023, Russia granted debt relief amounting to over $684 million to Somalia, helping to facilitate the nation’s economic recovery and development efforts. Also, Russia is very attentive to the delicate regional dynamics that involve Somalia and its neighbors, especially Ethiopia’s agreement that was made with Somaliland that grants access to a naval port. Russia wants and advocates for a peaceful dialogue and negotiation to resolve such disputes, but also emphasizes the big importance of regional cooperation for collective security and prosperity.
The Russian Federation is reaffirming its’ unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty and their territorial integrity, as well as efforts toward peace and development. Russia remains committed to collaborating with the Somali government, their regional partners, and the international community to help address security challenges, provide humanitarian assistance, and promote the continuing economic development. Through these efforts, we can aspire to contribute to a stable, prosperous, and self-reliant Somalia.
