Credit:  https://twitter.com/US2SOMALIA /   The United States reestablishes  U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia

By Gary Raynaldo      /  DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

The United States re-opened its U.S. Embassy in Horn of Africa nation Somalia in its capital city Mogadishu this month, nearly three decades after it was shut down as the country became engulfed in civil war. The re-establishment of the Embassy in Mogadishu came after the U.S. restored a “permanent diplomatic presence” in the country for the first time in almost 30 years in December 2018 with the establishment of an American Mission to Somalia. 

“It is a significant and historic day that reflects Somalia’s progress in recent years, and another step forward in regularizing U.S. diplomatic engagement in Mogadishu since recognizing the federal government of Somalia in 2013.  U.S. Embassy Mogadishu will act to enhance cooperation, advance U.S. national strategic interests, and support out overall security, political, and economic development goals and objectives.”

-U.S. Ambassador to Somalia   Donald Yamamoto 

-U.S. Ambassador to Somalia   Donald Yamamoto 

The U.S. closed its Somalia embassy in January 1991 as the country collapsed into civil war, with the military airlifting out the ambassador and others.  The renewed diplomatic presence in Somalia comes just after the 25-year-anniversary of the  infamous Battle of Mogadishu on Oct. 3-4, 1993, in Somalia.   Twenty five years ago U.S. troops engaged in what has been described as one of the most intense urban combat since Vietnam with heavy casualties reported.  ‘Black Hawk Down’: The sight of dead US soldiers being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu was a turning point in one of the United States’ most high-profile interventions in Africa, the BBC.    The images, broadcast around the world, outraged many.  In October 1993, elite American troops launched a disastrous raid in the Somali capital Mogadishu. Their aim was to capture key allies of the powerful Somali warlord, Gen Mohamed Farah Aideed. But US forces met fierce resistance from Aideed’s militia.  Two US Black Hawk helicopters were shot down.

Somalia Facing  Increased Terror Attacks From al-Shabab Fighters,  Famine  and Piracy 

Somalia has in recent years faced an insurgency by the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militant group, as well as wide-spread famine and maritime piracy.  At least 53 persons were killed when suicide bombers and gunmen attacked a hotel last November in Somalia capital city Mogadishu. Attacks were reported on the popular Sahafi Hotel, near the country’s criminal investigations department as two car bombs followed by a scooter bomb exploded in the street outside the hotel.

U.S. Embassy Mogadishu Remembers Horrific October 2017 Terrorist Attack in Somalia 

“@US2SOMALIA stands with people and FGS gov't in remembering & honoring victims of the horrific #October14, 2017 terrorist attack in #Mogadishu. We are committed to continue to provide assistance to #Somalia to overcome terrorism & promote stability and prosperity for its people. pic.twitter.com/h4G2mV42Po

— U.S. Embassy Mogadishu, Somalia (@US2SOMALIA) October 15, 2019