This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
On October 5, 2019, the United States reopened its embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia, after a 28-year closure. The embassy had been shut down in 1991 during the civil war that followed the overthrow of President Siad Barre's military government.
Since 2018, the US had maintained a permanent diplomatic presence in Somalia, operating from Nairobi. However, the reopening of the Mogadishu embassy marks a significant step in strengthening relations between the two countries.
“Today, we reaffirm the relations between the American people and the Somali people and our two nations. It is an important 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,” confirmed U.S. Ambassador Donald Yamamoto.
The US embassy in Mogadishu is expected to enhance cooperation between the two countries, advance US interests in Somalia, and support security, policy, and economic development goals.
“U.S. Embassy Mogadishu will act to enhance co-operation, advance U.S. national strategic interests, and support our overall security, political, and economic development goals and objectives,” read a press statement from the US embassy.
