The United States has reopened its mission in Somalia nearly 30 years after it closed on January 5, 1991.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 2, the US Embassy in Mogadishu said the re-establishment of the mission “is another step forward in the resumption of regular US-Somali relations, symbolising the strengthening of US-Somalia relations and advancement of stability, development, and peace for Somalia, and the region’.
It, however, acknowledged that since the closure, the US has maintained its partnership with the Somali people, including the re-establishment of a permanent diplomatic presence in Mogadishu in December 2018.
Ambassador Donald Yamamoto said, “Today we reaffirm the relations between the American people and the Somali people, and our two nations. It is a significant and historic day that reflects Somalia’s progress in recent years, and another step forward in regularising US diplomatic engagement in Mogadishu since recognizing the federal government of Somalia in 2013.”
He added that the mission would act to enhance cooperation, advance US national strategic interests, and support overall security, political, and economic development goals and objectives.”
“The United States remains a strong partner to Somalia in its effort to build a stable, credible, and democratic country,” Yamamoto said.
