US Reopens Embassy in Somalia After 28 Years
The United States has reopened its embassy in Somalia. The previous one had been closed in January 1991 during the country's civil war.
The new embassy building is located on the grounds of Mogadishu's international airport.
“The re-establishment of Embassy Mogadishu is another step forward in the resumption of U.S.-Somali relations,” read a statement issued by the embassy.
U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Donald Yamamoto described the re-establishment as a “significant and a historic day that reflects Somalia’s progress in recent years." He said the embassy will "enhance cooperation, advance U.S. national strategic interests, and support our overall security, political, and economic development goals and objectives."
The U.S. had maintained a diplomatic mission in Mogadishu since December last year.
The announcement coincided with the conclusion of Somali Partnership Forum, a two-day meeting between Somali leaders and international community held in Mogadishu for the first time.
During the meeting, the U.S. Agency for International Development announced nearly $257 million in new humanitarian assistance to Somalia. The new humanitarian package brings U.S. total assistance to Somalia to just under a half-billion dollars this year. Read more...
