Tuesday July 29, 2025
Doha (HOL) – A high-level ministerial meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Somalia was held in Doha from July 27–28, focusing on Somalia’s security and development challenges.
The meeting, hosted by the State of Qatar, was officially opened by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.
The Minister also underscored Somalia’s economic turnaround following debt relief and called for coordinated investments under the National Transformation Plan (2025–2035) and Somalia Vision 2060. Citing a rise in foreign direct investment, he pointed to emerging opportunities in infrastructure and the energy sector.
He noted progress in the federalization process, constitutional review, and preparations for the 2026 general elections. He also welcomed ongoing support in education and healthcare and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development, particularly youth and women empowerment.
The Somali government also welcomed the OIC’s newly introduced humanitarian financing mechanisms, including the Special Fund for Somalia’s Development, and called for their swift operationalization. The Minister proposed the establishment of a dedicated monitoring committee within the Contact Group to enhance coordination and follow-up.
Established in 2007, the OIC Contact Group on Somalia serves as a vital platform for mobilizing coordinated support for peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian response in Somalia. This year’s meeting focused on reviewing progress and strengthening cooperation in key areas including security, economic reform, and inclusive governance.