A Diplomatic Breakthrough in the Red Sea: Why Ukraine is Entering Africa through Somalia
11 April 15:52
Ukraine has officially established diplomatic relations with the Federal Republic of Somalia. The relevant protocol was signed on April 11, 2025, by Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andriy Sybiga and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia Ali Mohamed Omar, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The signing of the protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations with Somalia is not only a symbolic gesture, but also a clear signal of Kyiv’s strategic course to strengthen its presence in Africa. The region has long been an arena of active Russian influence, and Ukraine seeks to offer an alternative – a partnership based on mutual respect, pragmatism and concrete benefits.
Humanitarian and economic dimension
As Andriy Sybiga emphasized, Ukraine is already cooperating with Somalia within the framework of the humanitarian initiative “Grain from Ukraine” aimed at overcoming the food crisis in the region. Kyiv is ready to continue to supply agricultural products and develop trade and economic cooperation.
“Grain from Ukraine is a humanitarian initiative launched in 2022. It provides for the supply of Ukrainian grain to countries suffering from hunger with the support of international donors. As of 2025, more than 280 thousand tons of agricultural products have been delivered, thus saving about 20 million people.
In addition to the humanitarian sphere, the parties are also considering the potential for developing political dialogue, investment cooperation, educational exchanges, and digital transformation. In particular, Ukraine can share its experience in e-governance, e-education, and security technologies.
A political signal to the international community
The country is another state that openly supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. This is especially important as the Kremlin tries to strengthen its position on the African continent using both diplomatic and military leverage.
“Today’s step is not just a diplomatic formality. This is an investment in the future of bilateral relations and a contribution to the global coalition of countries that stand for international law, security and respect for sovereignty,” said Andriy Sibiga after signing the agreement.
What’s next?
The next step is to agree on the formats of practical cooperation. Ukraine is considering opening a diplomatic mission in East Africa, as well as establishing intergovernmental contacts at the level of economic agencies.
In the future, Kyiv also plans to intensify cooperation with the African Union and expand its presence in the Horn of Africa, which is of great geopolitical importance.
The Somali Peninsula (Horn of Africa or Northeast Africa) is a peninsula in East Africa, along the Arabian Sea south of the Gulf of Aden. It is the easternmost point of Africa. Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea are located in the Horn of Africa. It covers an area of about 2 million km² and has a population of about 90.2 million people (Ethiopia: 75 million people, Somalia: 10 million people, Eritrea: 4.5 million people, and Djibouti: 0.7 million).
What Ukrainians should know about Somalia in the context of new diplomatic relations
Somalia is a country in the Horn of Africa with access to the Indian Ocean. It borders Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya. After the fall of the central government in 1991, the country was in a state of virtual collapse for a long time. For decades, Somalia has been associated with piracy, internal armed conflicts, and humanitarian crises.
Although the country still has limited government control over the entire territory, in recent years Somalia has demonstrated a gradual restoration of institutions, expansion of international relations and participation in peacekeeping initiatives. Its political system is based on a federal structure.
Somalis are predominantly Sunni Muslims. The official language is Somali, and Arabic is also spoken. The country has a young population – more than 60% of citizens are under 25 years old.
Somalia has one of the weakest economies in the world. The main sources of income are agriculture, fishing, remittances from abroad, and humanitarian aid. At the same time, there is significant potential in the development of ports, transportation, logistics, and natural resource extraction.
Common interests of Somalia and Ukraine:
- Security and stability. Both countries are interested in countering aggression, piracy, and destabilization.
- Food cooperation. Somalia depends on grain imports, in particular from Ukraine. Kyiv supplied food as part of the Grain from Ukraine initiative.
- Diplomatic partnership. The establishment of relations opens up opportunities for cultural, educational, and technological exchange.
As of 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine does not recommend citizens to travel to Somalia due to the high terrorist threat, armed conflicts, and instability. However, diplomatic relations may eventually open new safe channels of cooperation.
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