MOGADISHU – The European Union’s new Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, officially presented her credentials to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday, marking the start of her tenure in Mogadishu.
Ambassador Di Mauro succeeds Karin Johansson, who has served as the EU’s top representative in Somalia since 2023. During Johansson’s term, the EU played a central role in supporting Somalia’s state-building process, contributing to political dialogue, security sector reform, and humanitarian assistance.
Francesca Di Mauro is a seasoned Italian diplomat with years of experience in Africa. Before her appointment to Somalia, she served as the European Union’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire from 2022. Her diplomatic career has focused on fostering EU relations with African nations, with an emphasis on governance, development, and partnership.
Her arrival comes at a critical moment for Somalia, as the country prepares for the 2026 elections and continues efforts to stabilize regions affected by militant groups. The EU remains a key partner for Somalia, providing financial and technical support for security, constitutional review, electoral reforms, and humanitarian aid.
In a statement, the Somali Presidency welcomed Ambassador Di Mauro and reaffirmed the importance of EU-Somalia cooperation. Somali officials highlighted the EU’s longstanding commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and development, stressing that continued collaboration is essential for consolidating peace and stability.
The European Union has been one of Somalia’s largest international donors, contributing to the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), supporting the Somali National Army, and funding programs in health, education, and governance.
