U.S. reopens Embassy in Somalia after 28 years of closure
The United States has decided to swing the door of diplomacy open with Somalia again after it shut down its operation in the country 28 years ago.
Rising tension and the outbreak of civil war in Somalia had made it risky to run a diplomatic mission in the volatile environment as anti-US sentiments forced the Embassy to cease operation.
The conflict lasted for a long time and recorded one of the most gruesome streak of violence in Africa in which the U.S lost 18 Special Forces soldiers who were killed while fighting al-Shabaab at Mogadishu in 1993. The incident was portrayed in the movie, Black Hawk Down.
America has been wary of dealing with the country directly despite participating in joint UN attacks on terrorist formations there.
After many years of being ravaged by many wars and insurgency by the notorious al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group, al-Shabaab, Somalia is said to be experiencing peace and progress; hence the renewed interest in the country.
“This historic event reflects Somalia’s progress in recent years and is another step forward in formalizing U.S. diplomatic engagement in Mogadishu,” the U.S State Department said.
“Our return demonstrates the U.S. commitment to further advance stability, democracy, and economic development that are in the interest of both nations.”
