Relations between Germany and Somalia have been picking up as a result of the gradual improvement in the political situation since 2012. Germany is held in high esteem and regarded as a reliable partner – one that is keen to promote a stable and democratic Somalia.

Large parts of the population are affected by food insecurity and dependent on emergency relief measures on a long-term basis. Droughts and floods paired with armed conflict threaten the livelihoods of many Somalis. According to United Nations figures, there are more than 3.9 million internally displaced persons in the country. After years of drought, followed by torrential rain and flooding, around 40 percent of the population is dependent on humanitarian support. The German Government contributes, among other things, to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and provides assistance to Somali refugees in neighbouring countries.

Development cooperation is currently supported to the tune of around 540 million euro, which is used inter alia for technical and financial cooperation projects and transitional development assistance. Priorities include economic development and vocational training, agriculture, food security and promoting resilience. The German Government is one of the largest contributors to development cooperation with Somalia. In addition, Germany is supporting democratisation in Somalia and the establishment of a federal state structure within a multi-dimensional stabilisation strategy. Germany is also involved in setting up the police force and the parliaments of the federal states. Furthermore, Germany supports local mediation and reconciliation processes.

Germany participates in civilian and military EU and UN missions. In addition to seconding police officers to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Germany takes part in the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia), which is intended to enhance Somali capabilities in the field of maritime security. The EU also has a military training mission in Somalia (EUTM SOM).