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US, Somalia Launch New Era of Diplomatic Relations

January 17, 2013

by VOA News

The United States has opened a new era in diplomatic relations after officially recognizing the government in Somalia for the first time in two decades.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Thursday with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Washington to exchange diplomatic notes confirming the new relationship.

Clinton described the development as "a milestone," saying that it is not the end of the journey, but an important milestone toward that end.

In an interview Thursday with VOA's Somali Service, Mohamud said the recognition is a "step forward" and a "diplomatic achievement" for his government and for the Somali people in general.

He added that it will pave the way for Somalia to rejoin international bodies, and facilitate the rebuilding of the country.

Somalia has not had a stable central government since warlords overthrew President Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. The country endured 20 years of conflict and lawlessness until U.N.-backed efforts to form a new government bore fruit last year.

Thursday's meeting was the first between Clinton and Mohamud since his election to office last year.

A new parliament sworn in six months ago elected Mohamud as president, ending eight years of an ineffective and often chaotic transitional government.

The top U.S. diplomat for African affairs, Johnnie Carson, said the new Somali government has made significant progress in stabilizing the country and defeating al-Shabab Islamic militants.

He said U.S.-Somali relations are a long way from where they were when militants shot down two American helicopters in October 1993. Scenes of dead U.S. solders being dragged through the streets of the Somali capital were broadcast worldwide, arousing anger and revulsion in the U.S. and elsewhere.

"We respect the sovereignty of Somalia. And as two sovereign nations we will continue to have an open, transparent dialogue about what more we can do to help the people of Somalia realize their own dreams," Clinton said.