The United States reopens its embassy in Somalia

The White House [Courtesy]

The United States of America on Thursday reopened its embassy in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, after nearly three decades of closure.

Both Washington and Mogadishu shut down their embassies in each other’s countries on January 5, 1991, after the horn of Africa nation plunged into war following the ouster of President Siad Barre's. At the time, the US military airlifted its ambassador and staff who were caught up in the conflict out of the country.

“The re-establishment of Embassy Mogadishu is another step forward in the resumption of regular US-Somali relations, symbolizing the strengthening of US-Somalia relations and advancement of stability, development, and peace for Somalia, and the region,” the US State Department said in a statement. 

The US Ambassador to Somalia Donald Yamamoto who officiated the opening said the move was “another step forward in regularising US diplomatic engagement in Mogadishu since recognizing the federal government of Somalia in 2013.”

“US Embassy Mogadishu will act to enhance co-operation, advance US national strategic interests, and support our overall security, political, and economic development goals and objectives,” said Ambassador Yamamoto.

The two countries have over the years been working to rekindle ties. The US has been running its diplomatic mission in Somalia from its embassy in neighboring Nairobi. In December 2018, Washington established a permanent diplomatic presence in Somalia in a historic move that affirmed the countries’ commitment to work together.

The opening of the Mogadishu embassy means that the US is fully moving its diplomatic mission to the country.