Washington’s calling it another step in the resumption of diplomatic relations with Mogadishu

The U.S. embassy was closed during the civil war in Somalia.

The building  will re-open on the grounds of the international airport in Mogadishu.

There has been a U.S. diplomatic mission in the capital.

Ambassador Donald Yamamoto says the embassy’s historic re-opening will enhance cooperation, advance U.S. national strategic interests, and support it overall security, political, and economic development goals and objectives.

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.

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The new chief envoy is Donald Yamamoto who was acting US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa until last July.

President Donald Trump’s ramped up military support for the Somali government the US recognized five years ago.

American warplanes and drones have struck more than two dozen times against Al Shabaab militants.

Washington’s been wary of involvement in Somalia since the notorious Black Hawk Down incident in 1993 when 18 US special forces were killed in the downing of an attack helicopter by rebels.

The US State Department says the return to Somalia indicates the progress made by the government in Mogadishu and will advance stability, democracy and economic development in that Horn of Africa country. 

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It is the largest African foreign affairs event so far in the presidency of Donald Trump.

Many African leaders have been openly critical of President Donald Trump.

So it will be interesting to see how his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson receives their foreign ministers to answer the many questions they have about his foreign policy.

Discussion will cover trade ,investment, counter terrorism and good governance.

AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat will attend the meetings today and tomorrow.

Acting US Under Secretary of State for Africa Donald Yamamoto says Washington’s looking to move beyond aid to building mutually beneficial partnerships with African countries.

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