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Monday February 19, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) – The United States has expressed a shared interest with Somalia in advancing political and economic stability, preventing terrorism, and addressing humanitarian crises.
During their visit to Mogadishu on February 15-16, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer engaged in discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, parliamentarians and international partners regarding Somalia’s efforts to enhance security and deliver essential services to its citizens.
Assistant Secretary Phee reiterated the U.S.’s respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She also reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Somalia-led counterterrorism operations against al-Shabaab, the al-Qaida affiliate responsible for countless human rights violations that threaten stability throughout the region.
Assistant Secretary Phee joined President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in presiding over signing a Memorandum of Understanding to construct infrastructure to train and house the U.S.-trained 3,000-strong “Danab” advanced infantry brigade. She also expressed support for an AU-led multinational force to succeed ATMIS while Somalia continues to build its security capabilities.
Over the past decade, Somalia has made significant strides forward, most recently lifting the UN arms embargo, achieving a debt relief completion point, and joining the East African Community.
“In addition to continued progress on security, defeating al-Shabaab requires progress on political reconciliation, expanded governance, and economic growth. Reforming and finalizing Somalia’s provisional constitution is critical to these efforts. We encouraged progress on constitutional reform through a transparent and consultative process,” Assistant Secretary Phee said.
They said the United States is committed to addressing Somalia’s conflict and climate-borne humanitarian challenges. Recurrent droughts and floods mean an estimated 6.9 million people – almost two in five Somalis – need urgent humanitarian assistance in 2024. That is why the United States, particularly through the U.S. Agency for International Development, has provided over $1.7 billion in humanitarian aid to Somalia since 2022 to mitigate the impact of draughts and floods.
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