NAANTALI, Finland — Kenya and Finland have called for renewed global commitment to Somalia’s peace efforts, warning that the withdrawal of international troops and rising regional tensions could threaten years of fragile progress.
Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi met with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Monday at the Kultaranta Presidential Castle. The leaders were attending the Kultaranta Talks, an annual forum for foreign policy dialogue hosted in Naantali.
During the meeting, both officials agreed that sustained international backing is essential as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) continues to draw down.
“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,” Mudavadi said in a statement.
Their discussion focused on the evolving security dynamics in the Horn of Africa, where Somali forces are expected to take over full responsibility for national security following the scheduled withdrawal of ATMIS troops.
The leaders expressed support for African-led peace solutions, stressing the importance of strengthening regional blocs like the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). These organizations have been instrumental in conflict resolution and humanitarian coordination across East Africa.
President Stubb reaffirmed Europe’s support for regional peace structures in Africa. “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 said.
The conversation also touched on the importance of including respected regional figures and diplomats in peace dialogue processes to bolster stability through trusted leadership.
Kenya, a long-standing troop-contributing country in Somalia under ATMIS, has consistently emphasized multilateral partnerships and diplomacy as key to long-term stability in the Horn of Africa.
ATMIS is expected to hand over full security responsibilities to Somali forces by December 2024. Observers warn that a rushed exit without sufficient international coordination could create security gaps, especially with the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab and a fragile political structure in Mogadishu.
Both Kenya and Finland urged international stakeholders not to lose focus. Their message was clear: lasting peace in Somalia hinges not just on military support, but on steady political engagement, regional unity, and global cooperation.
