A Project Implemented by: Horn Afrik News Agency for Human Rights (HANAHR) & Somali Human Rights Association (SOHRA)
Supported by: Stop Killer Robots (SKR) Campaign
Period Covered: May – October 2025
Report Issued By: African Academy of Diplomacy – AAD
Date: October 2025
1. Introduction
The African Academy of Diplomacy (AAD), as a regional organization supporting peace, human rights, and accountable diplomacy, has monitored and followed the implementation of the Stop Killer Robots Round XVI project in Somalia. The initiative aimed to advance Somalia’s engagement toward an international treaty banning Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) and promoting meaningful human control in the use of force.
AAD is pleased to present this independent oversight report, acknowledging strong national-level progress, inclusive advocacy efforts, and increased political awareness driven by Somali civil society actors.
2. Strategic Relevance of the Project
Somalia represents a high-risk environment for the proliferation and deployment of AWS due to:
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Ongoing terrorism-driven conflict
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Foreign military interventions
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Technological testing in unregulated warfare zones
The project demonstrated a timely entry point to influence decision-makers before Somalia forms its national position in global disarmament platforms, such as:
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UN General Assembly First Committee
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CCW GGE Sessions on Autonomous Weapons
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Regional African Union policy development
3. Summary of Activities Completed
| Activity Area | Description | AAD Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity-Building Workshops | 3 workshops in Mogadishu and Garowe for civil society, youth, women HRDs, and journalists | Highly inclusive & well-organized |
| Policy Engagement | 12 advocacy meetings with MPs, MoFA officials & UN Mission representatives | Direct influence on national policy conversations |
| Communications & Media | Radio engagements, video storytelling, infographics & policy brief dissemination | Expanded national public awareness |
| Policy Brief Development | Bilingual brief distributed to 56 policymakers | Effective communication tool for diplomatic advocacy |
AAD confirms that all major planned activities were completed within the required timeframe.
4. Inclusion, Equity, and Diplomacy
AAD notes the project’s exemplary commitment to:
✅ Women leadership in disarmament diplomacy
✅ Indigenous communities such as El Ali impacted by AWS testing
✅ Persons with disabilities and LGBTQI+ inclusion
✅ Youth empowerment for democratic participation
The project aligned with African shared values on human security and respect for international law.
5. Political Impact & Outcomes
Notable achievements documented by AAD:
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6 Somali parliamentarians publicly expressed readiness to support a ban on AWS and endorsed SKR positions.
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Officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signaled willingness to review AWS legal concerns.
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Somalia’s UN Mission indicated interest in future consultations with civil society on treaty negotiations.
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Journalists increased domestic media visibility on disarmament issues affecting civilians. This marks the first visible political momentum in Somalia toward adopting an official position against killer robots.
6. Public Engagement and Awareness
Measured communication indicators:
| Outcome | Result |
|---|---|
| People reached via social media | 15,420 |
| Total engagements | 820 |
| Public shares | 71 |
| Radio listeners reached | ~350,000 nationwide |
Testimonies from conflict-affected communities made the issue more relatable and urgent.
7. Challenges Observed
AAD recognizes the following challenges:
| Barrier | Mitigation Applied |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity of military topics | Human-rights-first framing |
| Government bureaucratic delays | Hybrid meetings & extended follow-ups |
| Low initial public understanding | Accessible language and storytelling |
These challenges were addressed effectively without derailing progress.
8. Sustainability and Diplomatic Recommendations
AAD recommends:
1️⃣ Establishing a formal CSO–Parliament Dialogue Mechanism on disarmament issues
2️⃣ Expanding programming to regions under heavier conflict exposure
3️⃣ Supporting Somali representation in AU and UNAWS negotiations
4️⃣ Continued media mobilization to build national accountability
AAD commits to supporting efforts to ensure Somalia contributes proactively to a global treaty regulating AWS.
9. Conclusion
The African Academy of Diplomacy commends HANAHR and SOHRA for their professionalism, inclusion, and diplomatic effectiveness. The project has:
✅ Catalyzed Somalia’s entry into policy discussions on AWS
✅ Strengthened civil society’s role in national diplomatic influence
✅ Raised public awareness on one of the world’s most dangerous emerging weapons threats – This initiative represents a milestone for Somalia’s diplomatic evolution toward protecting civilians from autonomous violence.
AAD fully supports continued cooperation with Stop Killer Robots and encourages future investment to sustain and scale this momentum.
