Us reopens embassy in Somalia after 30 years of closure

The United States has reopened its embassy in Somalia after 30 years of closure as a result of the civil war which broke out in the country.

A statement from the US embassy on Wednesday said that reopening of the embassy follows last year’s establishment of a permanent diplomatic presence in the capital, Mogadishu.

It added that: ”it is another step forward in the resumption of regular US -Somalia relations, symbolising the strengthening of US-Somalia relations and advancement of stability, development, and peace for Somalia, and the region.”

The US ambassador to Somalia Donald Yamamoto said that the opening of the embassy was “significant and historic” and was “another step forward in regularising US diplomatic engagement in Mogadishu since recognising the federal government of Somalia in 2013.”

The US is Somalia’s biggest donor, giving $730m (£590m) worth of aid last year, news agency Reuters reports quoting an official at the US State Department.

BBC reported that the US has also been a key ally in the fight against Islamist militants al-Shabab who want to overthrow the UN-recognised government.

Recall that on Monday, al-Shabab militants attacked a military base where US soldiers train Somali commandos.