Somalia’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., has entered into a lobbying agreement with BGR Group, a prominent Washington-based government relations firm, according to documents signed in late November 2024. The contract reveals that Somalia will pay BGR Group $50,000 monthly for an initial term of 12 months beginning December 1, 2024.
The agreement, signed by Somalia’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Dahir Abdi, and BGR Group’s Chairman and CEO Robert Wood, establishes that BGR will provide government relations services concerning U.S.-Somalia relations. The team assigned to the initiative will be led by Lester Munson and Scott Eisner.
Political analysts and regional observers suggest the timing of this agreement is significant, as it comes amid increasing international attention to Somaliland’s pursuit of recognition as an independent state. The move is widely seen as an effort to thwart Somaliland’s ongoing push for international recognition, particularly in light of recent developments in the U.S. Congress, where Congressman Scott Perry has introduced legislation supporting Somaliland’s independence aspirations.
Under the terms of the agreement, payments will be made quarterly in advance, with BGR also eligible for reimbursement of ordinary and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, subject to prior authorization from the embassy. The initial service period runs from December 2024 through February 2025.
BGR Group, which maintains offices in Washington, Austin, Atlanta, and London, will provide its full range of government affairs and public relations services to the embassy. The firm, operating from its headquarters in The Homer Building in Washington, DC, has committed to making all of its resources available to support this diplomatic initiative.
The contract represents a significant investment in diplomatic outreach by the Somali government, totaling $600,000 for the year-long engagement. While the specific objectives of BGR’s work aren’t detailed in the agreement beyond general government relations services, the substantial financial commitment underscores the strategic importance Somalia places on shaping its relationship with the United States during this period of regional diplomatic activity.
