UNOPS Chief Concludes Somalia Visit, Reaffirms Commitment Amid Escalating Security Threats

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 14 April 2025 19:20

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UNOPS Chief Concludes Somalia Visit, Reaffirms Commitment Amid Escalating Security Threats

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva, has concluded a visit to Somalia, where he reaffirmed the organization

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Despite the threats, UNOPS is pressing ahead with vital programs. Among them is the construction of Somalia's first fully functional national blood bank—a milestone in the country's efforts to improve healthcare services.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva, has concluded a visit to Somalia, where he reaffirmed the organization's long-standing commitment to peacebuilding and sustainable development—despite the country's deteriorating security situation and renewed threats from the militant group Al-Shabaab.

The visit to Somalia is part of a broader regional tour that also includes stops in Ethiopia and Sudan.

During his stay in Mogadishu, da Silva held meetings with Somali authorities and international partners to discuss development priorities and ongoing projects across key sectors.

Moreira da Silva met with Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, reiterating UNOPS’ dedication to supporting Somalia’s reconstruction efforts and institution-building.

"For over three decades, we have worked with Somali institutions and international partners to strengthen governance, healthcare, infrastructure, and security,” da Silva said in a statement. "We remain committed to offering practical solutions that support peace and resilience.”

Al-Shabaab threats

His visit comes at a time when Somalia is grappling with an increasingly fragile security landscape.

The militant group Al-Shabaab—designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations and numerous countries—continues to pose a serious threat across much of the country.

In recent months, the group has escalated its attacks on civilian and government targets, including deadly bombings, ambushes, and targeted assassinations, particularly in Mogadishu and central Somalia.

Security analysts warn that Al-Shabaab remains a well-organized and adaptive force, capable of disrupting humanitarian efforts and development progress.

The ongoing conflict has displaced thousands and contributed to a worsening humanitarian crisis, with nearly six million people—one-third of Somalia’s population—in need of urgent assistance.

Despite these challenges, UNOPS is pressing ahead with vital programs.

Among them is the construction of Somalia’s first fully functional national blood bank—a milestone in the country’s efforts to improve healthcare services.

UNOPS is also collaborating with the Ministry of Health to build and rehabilitate six regional hospitals and a central cold chain facility.

Furthermore, da Silva underscored UNOPS’ work to enhance the capacity of the Somali National Army by providing non-lethal support, funded through the European Peace Facility.

This initiative is aimed at bolstering Somalia’s security forces and promoting rule of law.

"Our support is especially critical in this context of instability,” he noted. "Whether through infrastructure, procurement, or crisis response, UNOPS stands with the Somali people in their pursuit of peace, security, and a better future.”

As the visit concluded, da Silva emphasized the need for sustained international support to help Somalia overcome the dual challenges of violent extremism and humanitarian need while laying the groundwork for long-term stability and development.