President Mohamud’s administration lost chance to capitalize on US recognition of Somali government
On 17th January 2013, US officially recognised Somalia’s government after more than 20 years, a move that was seen as critical in paving the way socio-economic recovery for the Horn of Africa nation.
Two years down the line, that impact has not actually been felt in Somalia and things seem to remain as they were under the transitional federal regimes which preceded this government.
In 2013, the 15-member UN Security Council agreed to partially lift the arms embargo on Somalia, allowing the government in Mogadishu to buy light weapons to strengthen its security forces to fight Islamist groups. But the UNSC adopted a resolution last year, renewing the arms embargo which will run to 15 November 2016. Thus the embargo remains same as it was before president Hassan Sheikh, a major setback to the security operations in Somalia which is still battling militant elements such as Al-Shabaab.
The UN Monitoring Group latest report emphasizes the need for concerted and sustained action to end corruption among the defferent department of the Somali government.
Furthermore United States has direct contact with regional states and African Union peacekeeping forces. This shades light on the weak US-Somalia relations best conducted at regional level as opposed to direct contact with Mogadishu.
The recent nomination of Stephen Schwartz as ambassador to Somalia was an indication of softening relations between the two nations which suffered frosty relations for more than two decades following the collapse of the state in 1991.
Somalia fits the trend. Despite longtime civil war records and corrupt government, the United States provided Somalia with the economic aid to sustain the government and military aid to protect Somalia from Al-Shabab through drones.
U.S. policy toward Somalia has been shifting back and forth with its changing security and strategic interests.
According political analysts president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has not made good use of the improving relations and consider it a lost opportunity.
An advisor to the Somali Prime Minister, Mohamed Noor Ga’al acknowledges the Somali government did not leverage on the relations to bargain for support even after reeling in state disintegration for over two decades.
“The Somali government failed to set the pace after restoration of relations and also failed to bolster transparency in governance which would have easily attracted US support,” said Ga’al.
Political analyst Daud Abdi Qasim, also son of former Somali president Abdiqasim Salat, says US National Security is somehow related to the restoration of peace in horn of Africa nation.
He pointed out that US companies have interests in Somalia’s natural resources and likewise the security of Bab al-Mandab (connecting Africa with Asia and Europe through Red Sea) which is not far away from Somalia is important for United States.
He noted that U.S. needs to take an active leadership role by engaging Somalia as it is trying to block undeniable emerging competition from China.
Qassim stated that Hassan’s administration lost a chance to capitalize on US recognition of Somali government.
“With all these interests, U.S was ready to support the government but Somalis themselves failed to make use of the chance,” Qasim added.
President Barack Obama last week nominated career diplomat Stephen Michael Schwartz as the new ambassador to Somalia more than seven months after former nominee Katherine Dhanani declined to take up the position.
This is clear the new diplomat has a handful work to do with the outgoing Mohamud administration but the U.S has to think twice about Somalia’s relationship and has to strengthen its ties with Somali government in order to win its interest.
If U.S heartily wants Somali government to bounce back on its feet, it should reinforce its support to the Somali National Army and the security forces in order to rid the country of perennial support from regional forces such as AMISOM.
Additionally, the US government has to train Coastal guards because the safety of East Africa’s water depends on the availability of Somali coastal guards who can fight the pirates on the ground and in the sea.
Timeline of US-Somalia relation
January 1991: Hundreds of US diplomats and civilians were evacuated from Somali capital, Mogadishu, in an air and sea rescue operation mounted by the United States.
In December 1992: President George Bush responded to U.N. request for assistance by proposing U.S. combat troops lead security force.
October 3, 1993: Admiral Howe of United States ordered Aidid’s arrest and offered $2500 reward for information. Admiral Howe also requested counterterrorist hostage rescue force from Washington.
Task Force Ranger’s assault on Olympic Hotel to search for Aidid resulted in 17 hour battle in which 18 U.S. soldiers killed, 70 wounded. Later named the Battle of Mogadishu.
After the attack of the twin towers of The United States , U.S. officials touted a major counterterrorism success in Africa:
In May 2008: A U.S. missile strike had killed Aden Hashen Ayrow, a top leader of the Somali-based group Al-Shabab and US drone killed the group’s leaders Ahmed Godane on 1st September 2014.
Restoration of US-Somalia relations:
On 17th January, 2013: Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited United States which led the recognition of president government as legitimate of Somali by US government
Hassan has also met World Bank and USAid officials on his trip to Washington.
Since then United States committed to sustained diplomatic engagement with the Somali authorities.
US government played viable role in the process to lift partially the arms embargo on Somalia.
In 2013, President Barack Obama has cleared the way for the US to provide military assistance to Somalia as it rebuilds itself following years of conflict.
February 24, 2015: President Barack Obama nominated career diplomat Katherine Dhanani Tuesday to serve as the first U.S. ambassador to Somalia since 1991.
May 5, 2015: Somali leaders presented to Secretary Kerry the land title deed for the new US embassy in Mogadishu.
January 11, 2016: Obama nominated Stephen Schwartz to head Somali embassy in Mogadishu. His nomination awaits US Senate approval.
By Abdi Aziz Gurbiye,
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