# Somalia and Norway

> Norway and Somalia: the 2013 aid deal, the Special Financing Facility, the 2020 bridge loan, special envoys, Oslo meetings and Somaliland ties.

Source page: https://calankii.com/en/relations/norway/
Last checked: 2026-11-13
Publisher: Calankii (https://calankii.com)

## How do Somalia and Norway relate today?

Norway has no embassy in Mogadishu. Its embassy in Nairobi covers Somalia, and aid is managed from Nairobi and Oslo ([Norad Evaluation Department, Report 7/2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)). Norway also has a special envoy for Somalia, a post created in 2012 ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)).

Somalia has been a Norwegian focus country for aid since 2014 ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)). Norway's biggest single act was a US$365.9 million bridge loan in March 2020 that cleared Somalia's arrears to the World Bank ([World Bank, 5 March 2020](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/03/05/somalia-clears-arrears-to-world-bank-group)).

In 2026 Norwegian humanitarian aid to Somalia is set at NOK 102 million, including NOK 15 million of emergency aid for the World Food Programme ([Norad, 27 April 2026](https://www.norad.no/en/news/news/2026/hunger-in-somalia/)). Trade is small: Norway exported goods worth US$118,308 to Somalia in 2024 ([UN Comtrade](https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/A/HS?reporterCode=579&partnerCode=706&period=2024&cmdCode=TOTAL&flowCode=X,M)).

## When did contact begin?

Norway paid little attention to Somalia in its first decade of independence, according to a 2022 University of Oslo history thesis by Svein-Olav Gjeitanger Kaurin ([Kaurin, University of Oslo, 2022](https://duo.uio.no/handle/10852/95131)). From 1972 to 1993 Norway turned down Somali requests for direct bilateral development aid ([Kaurin, 2022](https://duo.uio.no/handle/10852/95131)). Somalia was among the countries that asked to become a Norwegian aid partner in the 1970s and were not chosen ([Kaurin, 2022](https://duo.uio.no/handle/10852/95131)).

The thesis also finds that Norway gave humanitarian aid to Somalia earlier than was commonly thought ([Kaurin, 2022](https://duo.uio.no/handle/10852/95131)). Norway's political role grew during its 2001 to 2002 seat on the UN Security Council, when it led the Council's work on Somalia ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)).

From 2006 Norway co-chaired the International Contact Group on Somalia with the United States, and it hosted the group in Oslo on 30 April 2008 ([ReliefWeb, 2008](https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/norway-host-international-contact-group-somalia-meeting-30-april)). Formal development ties began on 30 June 2013 with a cooperation agreement signed in Mogadishu ([Government of Norway, 30 June 2013](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/somalia_cooperation/id731971/)).

## Who are the ambassadors and envoys?

Norway's ambassador to Somalia lives in Nairobi. Somalia's ambassador in Stockholm covers Norway.

- **Jens Mjaugedal**, Norwegian special envoy for Somalia, 2012 to 2015. He came from the Norwegian Refugee Council and the Nordic International Support Foundation ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)).
- **Victor Conrad Rønneberg**, ambassador, based in Kenya. He presented credentials in Mogadishu on 18 March 2015, the first Norwegian ambassador to Somalia in 25 years ([Garowe Online, 18 March 2015](https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-new-norway-ambassador-appointed)). President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received him ([Goobjoog, 18 March 2015](https://en.goobjoog.com/president-hassan-receives-credentials-from-norway-ambassador-2)).
- **Special envoy from 2018**: a former minister counsellor at the Nairobi embassy (2014 to 2018), named only by title in Norad's evaluation ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)).
- **Heidi Elburgi Johansen**, special envoy for Somalia from November 2020 ([Nordic Women Mediators](https://nordicwomenmediators.org/members-heidi-elburgi-johansen)). In March 2024 her title was special representative for peace and reconciliation in Somalia ([Halqabsi, March 2024](https://halqabsi.com/2024/03/un-envoy-meets-with-norwegian-ambassador)).
- **Gunnar Andreas Holm**, ambassador to Somalia, led a foreign ministry delegation to Mogadishu in April 2023 ([Hiiraan Online, 20 April 2023](https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2023/Apr/190935/somali_foreign_minister_meets_with_delegation_from_the_norwegian_ministry_of_foreign_affairs.aspx)).
- **Erling Hess**, head of the embassy for Kenya and Somalia, and **Carsten Carlsen** of the Norwegian embassy met Somalia's Auditor General on 16 January 2024 ([SONNA, 16 January 2024](https://sonna.so/en/auditor-general-receives-officials-from-the-norwegian-embassy)).
- **Vebjørn Heines**, special envoy to Somalia, met UAE minister Anwar Gargash in August 2024 ([Garowe Online, August 2024](https://www.garoweonline.com/index.php/en/news/world/gargash-meets-norwegian-special-envoy-to-somalia)).
- **Einar Rystad**, Norway's envoy to Somalia, led a delegation to Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi on 17 November 2024 ([SONNA, 17 November 2024](https://sonna.so/en/somalias-foreign-minister-ahmed-moalim-fiqi-engages-norwegian-delegation-to-deepen-bilateral-cooperation)). [Qatar](/en/diaspora/qatar/)'s foreign ministry also met him as Norway's envoy in March 2025 ([Qatar MFA, 19 March 2025](https://mofa.gov.qa/en/qatar/latest-articles/latest-news/details/2025/03/19/special-envoy-of-minister-of-foreign-affairs-meets-norway's-envoy-to-somalia)).
- **Siv Cathrine Moe**, newly appointed ambassador, gave a copy of her credentials to Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali in Mogadishu in December 2025 ([Somalia MFA, December 2025](https://web.mfa.gov.so/somali-foreign-minister-receives-copy-of-credentials-from-norways-newly-appointed-ambassador/)).
- **Abdi Karim Ahmed Mohamed**, Somalia's ambassador to the Nordic countries, presented credentials to King Harald V in Oslo on 13 February 2026 ([SONNA, 13 February 2026](https://sonna.so/en/somali-ambassador-to-nordic-countries-presents-credentials-to-king-harald-v-of-norway/)).

## Who built the tie?

- **Jens Mjaugedal**, special envoy from 2012, started the Special Financing Facility, Norway's direct budget channel to the new federal government ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)).
- **Heikki Holmås**, Minister of International Development, agreed the facility with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in 2012 ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)). He signed the June 2013 cooperation agreement in Mogadishu ([Government of Norway, 30 June 2013](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/somalia_cooperation/id731971/)).
- **Fowsiyo Yusuf Haji Aadan**, Somalia's foreign minister, signed that 2013 agreement for Somalia, with the president as witness ([Hiiraan Online, June 2013](https://hiiraan.com/news4/2013/Jun/30069/norway_restores_diplomatic_relations_with_somalia.aspx)).
- **Hans Wilhelm Longva**, Norwegian ambassador, drafted the 2009 Kenya–Somalia memorandum on the continental shelf as part of Norwegian technical help ([International Court of Justice, judgment of 2 February 2017](https://api.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/161/161-20170202-JUD-01-01-EN.pdf)).
- **Børge Brende** made the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to Somalia on 29 June 2017 ([Government of Norway, 29 June 2017](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/pm_somalia/id2563790/)).
- **Ine Eriksen Søreide**, foreign minister, visited Mogadishu on 10 June 2019 ([Garowe Online, 10 June 2019](https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/norwegian-foreign-minister-arrives-in-somalia-for-one-day-visit)). She spoke for Norway when the 2020 bridge loan cleared Somalia's World Bank arrears ([World Bank, 5 March 2020](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/03/05/somalia-clears-arrears-to-world-bank-group)).
- **Dag-Inge Ulstein**, Minister of International Development, presented the bridge loan plan in October 2019 ([Government of Norway, October 2019](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/pm_somalia/id2673476)).
- **Abdirahman Duale Beileh**, Somalia's finance minister, led Somalia's side of the arrears clearance ([World Bank, 5 March 2020](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/03/05/somalia-clears-arrears-to-world-bank-group)).
- **Anne Beathe Tvinnereim**, Minister of International Development, visited Somalia in December 2022 and announced more aid and a World Bank agreement ([Government of Norway, 5 December 2022](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/aid_boost/id2949489/)).
- **Jonas Gahr Støre**, Prime Minister, met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Oslo on 11 June 2024 ([Villa Somalia, 11 June 2024](https://villasomalia.gov.so/president-hassan-sheikh-mohamud-held-talks-with-norways-prime-minister-jonas-gahr-store/)).

## What agreements have they signed?

- **7 April 2009**: Kenya–Somalia memorandum of understanding on the continental shelf, drafted by Norwegian ambassador Hans Wilhelm Longva. Norway was not a party ([ICJ, 2 February 2017](https://api.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/161/161-20170202-JUD-01-01-EN.pdf)).
- **2012**: agreement between Heikki Holmås and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to set up the Special Financing Facility ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)).
- **30 June 2013**: development cooperation agreement, signed in Mogadishu ([Government of Norway, 30 June 2013](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/somalia_cooperation/id731971/)).
- **March 2020**: bridge loan of US$365.9 million to clear arrears to the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) ([World Bank, 5 March 2020](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/03/05/somalia-clears-arrears-to-world-bank-group)).
- **2020**: bilateral debt agreement under the Paris Club deal of 31 March 2020, cancelling NOK 16.2 million owed to Norway ([Government of Norway](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/gjeld_somalia/id2813315/); [Paris Club, 31 March 2020](https://clubdeparis.org/en/sites/clubdeparis/accueil/pays-accords-signes/recherche-accords-signes/fiches/s/somalie-31-mars-2020.html)).
- **December 2022**: agreement with the World Bank on governance, climate adaptation and food security in Somalia ([Government of Norway, 5 December 2022](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/aid_boost/id2949489/)).

## Which leaders have visited?

- **30 April 2008**: Oslo hosts the International Contact Group on Somalia ([ReliefWeb, 2008](https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/norway-host-international-contact-group-somalia-meeting-30-april)).
- **June 2013**: Development minister Heikki Holmås in Mogadishu ([Government of Norway, 30 June 2013](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/somalia_cooperation/id731971/)).
- **29 June 2017**: Foreign minister Børge Brende in Mogadishu, meeting President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Prime Minister [Hassan Ali Khaire](/en/people/hassan-ali-khaire/) ([Government of Norway, 29 June 2017](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/pm_somalia/id2563790/)).
- **10 June 2019**: Foreign minister Ine Eriksen Søreide in Mogadishu, met by Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Mohamed Guled ([Garowe Online, 10 June 2019](https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/norwegian-foreign-minister-arrives-in-somalia-for-one-day-visit)).
- **May 2019**: Somalia co-hosts with Norway, Iraq and the UAE an Oslo conference on ending sexual and gender-based violence in crises ([Government of Norway, 2019](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/foreign-affairs/humanitarian-efforts/sgbv_statement/id2666966)).
- **December 2022**: Development minister Anne Beathe Tvinnereim in Somalia ([Government of Norway, 5 December 2022](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/aid_boost/id2949489/)).
- **10 to 12 June 2024**: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Oslo for the Oslo Forum mediation retreat. He met Prime Minister Støre on 11 June ([Villa Somalia, 11 June 2024](https://villasomalia.gov.so/president-hassan-sheikh-mohamud-held-talks-with-norways-prime-minister-jonas-gahr-store/); [Garowe Online, June 2024](https://www.garoweonline.com/index.php/en/news/somalia/somalia-president-arrives-in-oslo-norway-amid-surge-in-al-shabaab-attacks)).

## How much do they trade?

Trade is very small. UN Comtrade records Norwegian exports to Somalia of:

- US$344,552 in 2015 ([UN Comtrade](https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/A/HS?reporterCode=579&partnerCode=706&period=2015&cmdCode=TOTAL&flowCode=X,M))
- US$243,243 in 2020, with imports of US$5,410 ([UN Comtrade](https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/A/HS?reporterCode=579&partnerCode=706&period=2020&cmdCode=TOTAL&flowCode=X,M))
- US$306,404 in 2023 ([UN Comtrade](https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/A/HS?reporterCode=579&partnerCode=706&period=2023&cmdCode=TOTAL&flowCode=X,M))
- US$118,308 in 2024, with imports of US$9,996 ([UN Comtrade](https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/A/HS?reporterCode=579&partnerCode=706&period=2024&cmdCode=TOTAL&flowCode=X,M))

In 2024 the largest export groups were vehicles, carpets, furniture and machinery ([UN Comtrade, HS chapters, 2024](https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/A/HS?reporterCode=579&partnerCode=706&period=2024&cmdCode=AG2&flowCode=X)).

Norwegian firms have been active in oil and gas surveys. In September 2015 Somalia signed a deal with Norway's Spectrum ASA for a 2D seismic survey of about 28,000 square kilometres offshore ([The Citizen, 7 September 2015](https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/africa/somalia-signs-oil-contract-with-norway-s-spectrum-2531762)).

## How much aid and money has gone in?

From 2012 to 2018 Norway disbursed NOK 2.7 billion to Somalia in its own aid statistics ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)). Counting its core funding to UN agencies, the total was NOK 3.2 to 3.3 billion ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)). Yearly spending more than doubled over the period ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)).

The main channels in 2012 to 2018 were ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)):

- **World Bank Multi-Partner Fund**: NOK 377 million.
- **UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund**: NOK 187 million.
- **Special Financing Facility**: NOK 102 million, folded into the World Bank fund from 2015.
- **Norwegian Refugee Council**: NOK 332 million.
- **Norwegian Red Cross**: NOK 197 million; **Norwegian Church Aid**: NOK 192 million; **Save the Children Norway**: NOK 110 million.
- **Nordic International Support Foundation**: about NOK 185 million.
- **Somalia Stability Fund**: NOK 142 million since 2012.
- **Humanitarian aid**: NOK 752 million in total.

The Special Financing Facility, launched in 2013, helped the new federal government pay salaries and run basic finances ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)). It paved the way for the World Bank to work with the government ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)). Proposed in December 2012, it made its first salary payments in August 2013 and covered ten months of salaries up to June 2014 ([g7+, New Deal case study](https://www.g7plus.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/new-deal-innovations-case-study-4-3.pdf)). A World Bank facility then took over salary payments from July 2014, using the system the facility had set up ([g7+](https://www.g7plus.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/new-deal-innovations-case-study-4-3.pdf)). Norway then backed the Somalia Development and Reconstruction Facility, set up in 2014 to coordinate donors under the New Deal Compact ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)).

**Debt.** In October 2019 Norway proposed a short-term bridging loan of NOK 3.135 billion ([Government of Norway, October 2019](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/pm_somalia/id2673476)). On 5 March 2020 it lent US$365.9 million, which Somalia used to pay its IDA arrears ([World Bank, 5 March 2020](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/03/05/somalia-clears-arrears-to-world-bank-group)). A same-size IDA grant then repaid Norway, within hours ([Government of Norway, 2020](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/pm_somalia/id2692771)).

This cleared one of three arrears blocks. Italy bridged the IMF arrears and the United Kingdom, with an EU contribution, bridged the African Development Bank arrears ([IMF, 25 March 2020](https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2020/03/25/pr20104-somalia-somalia-to-receive-debt-relief-under-the-enhanced-hipc-initiative)). Somalia then reached the HIPC Decision Point on 25 March 2020 ([IMF, 25 March 2020](https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2020/03/25/pr20104-somalia-somalia-to-receive-debt-relief-under-the-enhanced-hipc-initiative)).

Norway cancelled NOK 16.2 million of Somalia's own debt to Norway. NOK 10.85 million went at signing and NOK 5.35 million at the HIPC Completion Point ([Government of Norway](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/gjeld_somalia/id2813315/)).

**OECD figures.** Norway's bilateral aid disbursements to Somalia, in current US dollars, were US$84.2 million in 2011, US$66.8 million in 2018, US$71.6 million in 2023 and US$47.0 million in 2024 ([OECD DAC2A](https://sdmx.oecd.org/public/rest/data/OECD.DCD.FSD,DSD_DAC2@DF_DAC2A,/NOR+SWE+DNK+FIN+BEL+ESP+IRL.SOM.206..V?startPeriod=2010&dimensionAtObservation=AllDimensions&format=csvfilewithlabels)).

**Recent aid.** In 2022 Norway gave almost NOK 200 million in humanitarian aid before adding NOK 25 million in December ([Government of Norway, 5 December 2022](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/aid_boost/id2949489/)). Norway put US$30 million into the World Bank's [Somalia Multi-Partner Fund](/en/relations/world-bank/) in December 2022 ([Hiiraan Online, 4 December 2022](https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2022/Dec/188975/norway_contributes_30m_to_somali_mpf.aspx)). It plans NOK 102 million of humanitarian aid in 2026 ([Norad, 27 April 2026](https://www.norad.no/en/news/news/2026/hunger-in-somalia/)).

## What about security?

Norway's Somalia strategy for 2012 to 2015 included support for areas newly taken from [Al-Shabaab](/en/history/al-shabaab/) and for the African Union and UN ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)). It funded stabilisation through the Somalia Stability Fund ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)). Norway's envoys have discussed Somalia's post-ATMIS security plans with the federal government ([SONNA, 17 November 2024](https://sonna.so/en/somalias-foreign-minister-ahmed-moalim-fiqi-engages-norwegian-delegation-to-deepen-bilateral-cooperation)). For foreign military roles, see [Foreign forces in Somalia](/en/institutions/foreign-forces-in-somalia/).

## How does Norway deal with Somaliland and the member states?

Norway works with [Somaliland](/en/states/somaliland-1991-to-2026/) through its development programmes. It funded the Somaliland Development Fund with NOK 30 million in 2013 and 2015 ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)). The UK also lists Norway among the fund's donors, with Denmark and the Netherlands ([UK Government, Development support to Somaliland](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/development-support-to-somaliland)).

Norway's diplomats joined a group visit by international partners to Hargeisa on 2 and 3 April 2019 ([UK Government, April 2019](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/high-level-visit-by-international-partners-to-hargeisa-somaliiand)). In the first years after 2012 Norway funded the UN Joint Programme on Local Governance in Somaliland and [Puntland](/en/states/puntland/) ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)).

Norway's evaluators visited Mogadishu, Baidoa, Hargeisa and Garowe for their 2020 review ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)).

## Have there been disputes?

In July 2013 the UN Monitoring Group on [Somalia and Eritrea](/en/relations/eritrea/) suggested that Norway's aid could serve as cover for commercial oil interests ([UN Security Council, S/2013/436](https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/753516/files/S_2013_436-EN.pdf)). The report linked this to Norwegian help on Somalia's continental shelf claim ([Government of Norway, July 2013](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/development-efforts-somalia/id732864)).

Norway rejected the claims. Its letter to the Security Council of 22 July 2013 called them erroneous, including those about the oil firm DNO and Statoil ([UN Security Council, S/2013/436](https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/753516/files/S_2013_436-EN.pdf)). Minister Heikki Holmås denied any link between the continental shelf help and oil interests ([Government of Norway, July 2013](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/development-efforts-somalia/id732864)).

The 2009 Kenya–Somalia memorandum drafted by a Norwegian ambassador later became part of the maritime case Somalia brought against Kenya. The International Court of Justice ruled on 2 February 2017 that the memorandum was a valid treaty and did not stop the Court hearing the case ([ICJ, 2 February 2017](https://api.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/161/161-20170202-JUD-01-01-EN.pdf)).

## How many Somalis live in Norway?

On 1 January 2026, 44,744 people of Somali background lived in Norway: 27,769 born in Somalia and 16,975 born in Norway to Somali-born parents ([Statistics Norway, table 05183](https://www.ssb.no/statbank/table/05183/)). See [Norway (Somali diaspora)](/en/diaspora/norway/).

## Where does Norway stand in the UN and other bodies on Somalia?

Norway led the Security Council's work on Somalia during its 2001 to 2002 term ([Norad, 2020](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018)). From 2006 it co-chaired the International Contact Group on Somalia with the United States ([ReliefWeb, 2008](https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/norway-host-international-contact-group-somalia-meeting-30-april)).

Norway hosts the yearly Oslo Forum on mediation. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spoke there in June 2024 ([Garowe Online, June 2024](https://www.garoweonline.com/index.php/en/news/somalia/somalia-president-arrives-in-oslo-norway-amid-surge-in-al-shabaab-attacks)). Norway is a Paris Club creditor and took part in Somalia's 2020 Paris Club debt deal ([Paris Club, 31 March 2020](https://clubdeparis.org/en/sites/clubdeparis/accueil/pays-accords-signes/recherche-accords-signes/fiches/s/somalie-31-mars-2020.html)).

## Related pages

- [Norway (Somali diaspora)](/en/diaspora/norway/)
- [Foreign forces in Somalia](/en/institutions/foreign-forces-in-somalia/)
- [International bodies in Somalia](/en/institutions/international-bodies-in-somalia/)
- [Federal Government of Somalia](/en/institutions/federal-government-of-somalia/)
- [Hassan Sheikh Mohamud](/en/people/hassan-sheikh-mohamud/)
- [Abdirahman Duale Beyle](/en/people/abdirahman-duale-beyle/)

## Sources

1. Norad Evaluation Department. "Evaluation of Norway's Engagement in Somalia 2012–2018." Report 7/2020. [norad.no](https://www.norad.no/contentassets/9878abb020484298a345d1944ba2dcc1/main-report-evaluation-of-norways-engagement-in-somalia-2012-2018). Checked 2026-11-12.
2. Kaurin, S.-O. G. "Norwegian-Somali Relations." Master's thesis, University of Oslo, 2022. [duo.uio.no](https://duo.uio.no/handle/10852/95131). Checked 2026-11-12.
3. Government of Norway. "Norway enters into agreement on development cooperation with Somalia." 30 June 2013. [regjeringen.no](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/somalia_cooperation/id731971/).
4. Government of Norway. "Norway regrets claims by a UN report linking Norwegian development efforts to commercial interests in Somalia." July 2013. [regjeringen.no](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/development-efforts-somalia/id732864).
5. UN Security Council. Letter from Norway, S/2013/436. [digitallibrary.un.org](https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/753516/files/S_2013_436-EN.pdf).
6. International Court of Justice. [Maritime Delimitation in the Indian Ocean](/en/government/somalia-v-kenya-icj-maritime-case/) (Somalia v. Kenya), Preliminary Objections, Judgment, 2 February 2017. [icj-cij.org](https://api.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/161/161-20170202-JUD-01-01-EN.pdf).
7. World Bank. "Somalia Clears Arrears to World Bank Group." 5 March 2020. [worldbank.org](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/03/05/somalia-clears-arrears-to-world-bank-group). Checked 2026-11-12.
8. IMF. Press Release 20/104. 25 March 2020. [imf.org](https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2020/03/25/pr20104-somalia-somalia-to-receive-debt-relief-under-the-enhanced-hipc-initiative).
9. Government of Norway. "Norway to provide bridging loan to Somalia." October 2019. [regjeringen.no](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/pm_somalia/id2673476).
10. Government of Norway. "Norway assists Somalia en route to debt relief." 2020. [regjeringen.no](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/pm_somalia/id2692771).
11. Government of Norway. "Norway grants debt relief to Somalia." [regjeringen.no](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/gjeld_somalia/id2813315/).
12. Paris Club. Somalia, 31 March 2020. [clubdeparis.org](https://clubdeparis.org/en/sites/clubdeparis/accueil/pays-accords-signes/recherche-accords-signes/fiches/s/somalie-31-mars-2020.html).
13. Government of Norway. "Norway to provide large boost in aid to Somalia." 5 December 2022. [regjeringen.no](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/aid_boost/id2949489/).
14. Government of Norway. Brende visit to Somalia, 29 June 2017. [regjeringen.no](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/pm_somalia/id2563790/).
15. Government of Norway. Oslo conference on sexual and gender-based violence, co-hosts' statement, 2019. [regjeringen.no](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/foreign-affairs/humanitarian-efforts/sgbv_statement/id2666966).
16. Norad. "Hunger in Somalia." 27 April 2026. [norad.no](https://www.norad.no/en/news/news/2026/hunger-in-somalia/). Checked 2026-11-12.
17. ReliefWeb. "Norway to host International Contact Group on Somalia meeting 30 April." 2008. [reliefweb.int](https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/norway-host-international-contact-group-somalia-meeting-30-april).
18. [Garowe Online](/en/economy/somali-media-companies/). "Somalia: New Norway Ambassador appointed." 18 March 2015. [garoweonline.com](https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-new-norway-ambassador-appointed). Checked 2026-11-12.
19. Goobjoog. "President Hassan receives credentials from Norway ambassador." 18 March 2015. [goobjoog.com](https://en.goobjoog.com/president-hassan-receives-credentials-from-norway-ambassador-2). Checked 2026-11-12.
20. Garowe Online. "Norwegian Foreign Minister arrives in Somalia for one-day visit." 10 June 2019. [garoweonline.com](https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/norwegian-foreign-minister-arrives-in-somalia-for-one-day-visit). Checked 2026-11-12.
21. [Villa Somalia](/en/institutions/president-and-council-of-ministers/). Talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. 11 June 2024. [villasomalia.gov.so](https://villasomalia.gov.so/president-hassan-sheikh-mohamud-held-talks-with-norways-prime-minister-jonas-gahr-store/). Checked 2026-11-12.
22. Garowe Online. "Somalia president arrives in Oslo, Norway." June 2024. [garoweonline.com](https://www.garoweonline.com/index.php/en/news/somalia/somalia-president-arrives-in-oslo-norway-amid-surge-in-al-shabaab-attacks).
23. [SONNA](/en/institutions/state-media/). Foreign Minister Fiqi meets Norwegian delegation. 17 November 2024. [sonna.so](https://sonna.so/en/somalias-foreign-minister-ahmed-moalim-fiqi-engages-norwegian-delegation-to-deepen-bilateral-cooperation). Checked 2026-11-12.
24. SONNA. Auditor General receives officials from the Norwegian embassy. 16 January 2024. [sonna.so](https://sonna.so/en/auditor-general-receives-officials-from-the-norwegian-embassy). Checked 2026-11-12.
25. SONNA. Somali ambassador to Nordic countries presents credentials to King Harald V. 13 February 2026. [sonna.so](https://sonna.so/en/somali-ambassador-to-nordic-countries-presents-credentials-to-king-harald-v-of-norway/). Checked 2026-11-12.
26. Somalia Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Copy of credentials from Norway's new ambassador. December 2025. [mfa.gov.so](https://web.mfa.gov.so/somali-foreign-minister-receives-copy-of-credentials-from-norways-newly-appointed-ambassador/). Checked 2026-11-12.
27. Hiiraan Online. Foreign minister meets Norwegian delegation. 20 April 2023. [hiiraan.com](https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2023/Apr/190935/somali_foreign_minister_meets_with_delegation_from_the_norwegian_ministry_of_foreign_affairs.aspx).
28. Hiiraan Online. "Norway restores diplomatic relations with Somalia." June 2013. [hiiraan.com](https://hiiraan.com/news4/2013/Jun/30069/norway_restores_diplomatic_relations_with_somalia.aspx).
29. Hiiraan Online. "Norway contributes $30m to Somali MPF." December 2022. [hiiraan.com](https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2022/Dec/188975/norway_contributes_30m_to_somali_mpf.aspx).
30. Halqabsi. "UN envoy meets with Norwegian ambassador." March 2024. [halqabsi.com](https://halqabsi.com/2024/03/un-envoy-meets-with-norwegian-ambassador).
31. Nordic Women Mediators. Heidi Elburgi Johansen. [nordicwomenmediators.org](https://nordicwomenmediators.org/members-heidi-elburgi-johansen). Checked 2026-11-12.
32. Garowe Online. "Gargash meets Norwegian special envoy to Somalia." August 2024. [garoweonline.com](https://www.garoweonline.com/index.php/en/news/world/gargash-meets-norwegian-special-envoy-to-somalia).
33. Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Special envoy meets Norway's envoy to Somalia. 19 March 2025. [mofa.gov.qa](https://mofa.gov.qa/en/qatar/latest-articles/latest-news/details/2025/03/19/special-envoy-of-minister-of-foreign-affairs-meets-norway's-envoy-to-somalia).
34. The Citizen. "Somalia signs oil contract with Norway's Spectrum." 7 September 2015. [thecitizen.co.tz](https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/africa/somalia-signs-oil-contract-with-norway-s-spectrum-2531762). Checked 2026-11-12.
35. UK Government. "Development support to Somaliland." [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/development-support-to-somaliland).
36. UK Government. "High-level visit by international partners to Hargeisa." April 2019. [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/high-level-visit-by-international-partners-to-hargeisa-somaliiand).
37. UN Comtrade. Norway–Somalia trade, 2015 to 2024. [comtradeapi.un.org](https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/A/HS?reporterCode=579&partnerCode=706&period=2024&cmdCode=TOTAL&flowCode=X,M). Checked 2026-11-12.
38. Statistics Norway. Table 05183. [ssb.no](https://www.ssb.no/statbank/table/05183/).
39. g7+. "New Deal innovations case study: the Special Financing Facility in Somalia." [g7plus.org](https://www.g7plus.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/new-deal-innovations-case-study-4-3.pdf). Checked 2026-11-12.
40. OECD. DAC2A, ODA disbursements to Somalia by donor, current prices. [sdmx.oecd.org](https://sdmx.oecd.org/public/rest/data/OECD.DCD.FSD,DSD_DAC2@DF_DAC2A,/NOR+SWE+DNK+FIN+BEL+ESP+IRL.SOM.206..V?startPeriod=2010&dimensionAtObservation=AllDimensions&format=csvfilewithlabels). Checked 2026-11-12.

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