EU Ambassador Advances Dialogue and National Consensus at Mogadishu Iftar

MOGADISHU - The European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, has this evening renewed her call for inclusive dialogue and national consensus, as she hosted an iftar reception at the EU diplomatic compound in Mogadishu during the holy month of Ramadan.

The gathering brought together senior officials of the Federal Government of Somalia, leaders from across the political spectrum, representatives of civil society and the media, as well as members of the international community. The event provided a timely opportunity for political and community leaders to meet in a spirit of reflection and engagement.

Ramadan, often described as a month of peace, mercy and forgiveness, formed the backdrop to the message from Ambassador Di Mauro about reconciliation and compromise. In her remarks, she encouraged Somali leaders to continue engaging constructively with one another and to place national interest above political differences.

Over recent months, Ambassador Di Mauro has played an active role in supporting dialogue among Somali stakeholders. She is widely regarded as a trusted international partner, capable of navigating complex political dynamics with care and balance. Through regular consultations and discreet engagement, she has worked to bring together representatives of the Federal Government, opposition figures and other political actors to foster understanding of key national issues.

These discussions have included matters of political contention, such as electoral processes, security arrangements and the ongoing constitutional review. Diplomats and Somali officials alike acknowledge the European Union’s steady support for Somali-led solutions and its emphasis on inclusive and consensus-based approaches.

At the iftar, Ambassador Di Mauro commended the resilience of the Somali people and their political leaders, noting that, despite challenges, Somalia has continued to move forward through dialogue and cooperation. She expressed confidence that, even in moments of difficulty, Somali leaders are capable of finding common ground and advancing a shared national agenda.

Participants described the evening as both convivial and practical, highlighting its value as a space for open exchange among leaders who do not often share the same platform. The setting during Ramadan reinforced the broader message of unity and mutual respect.

A seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in complex political environments, Ambassador Di Mauro has consistently made a point to promote national harmony and compromise. Her approach centers on encouraging Somali ownership of political processes while offering the EU’s support in facilitating constructive engagement.

As Somalia continues to navigate a sensitive political period, the EU’s role in encouraging dialogue remains visible. The Ramadan iftar served as a reminder that, beyond formal negotiations, trust-building and sustained engagement are essential to strengthening consensus and sustain stability in the country.