The United States calls on Somali leaders to work towards political reconciliation

The United States has called on the Federal Government of Somalia, all Federal Member States, and citizens of Somalia to work towards political reconciliation, cooperation, and unity through peaceful dialogue.

Somalia has made impressive progress in key areas.  The US has encouraged all actors to come together and remain focused on working with Somalia’s international partners to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to Somalia.

The federal government of Somalia has been in loggerheads with its member states, especially Puntland and Jubaland states.

The federal government of Somalia, led by President Mohammed Abdullahi Farmajo had opposed the outcome of Jubalands local and presidential elections held in September.

The opposition which recently formed a coalition of political parties comprising of Six political parties which have united under the umbrella of the forum for national parties (FNP).

The forum says this is a step in the right direction that will contribute to the process of political democratization of Somalia with the goal of safeguarding the sovereignty, unity and independence of the Republic of Somalia

The United States recently reopened its embassy in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, nearly three decades after it was shut as the Horn of Africa nation plunged into civil war.

Washington closed its embassy during the 1991 overthrow of then-President Siad Barre’s military regime which ushered in decades of chaos. However, diplomatic relations have strengthened in recent years.

The US remains a strong partner to Somalia in its effort to build a stable, credible, and democratic country.

A permanent diplomatic presence was established in Mogadishu in December 2018 but was operated out of Nairobi in neighboring Kenya.