U.S. Relationship with Somalia

Since 1960, the United States of America has had a diplomatic relationship with Somalia. This relationship has allowed the United States (U.S.) to create and maintain a strong influence on Somalia’s governing regime. Following war with Ethiopia that yielded in 1978, Somalia began turning toward the U.S. for international support, military equipment, and economic aid. Civil war throughout most of the 1980s concluded with the collapse of Somalia's government in 1991. From the fabrication of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to the generation of the Federal Government of Somalia, Political nationals have continued to look upon the U.S. for not only political influence but also for means of trading as well as supplies. This solidity, as well as efforts in Counterinsurgency is the means in which the U.S. conducted Stability Operations in support of Somalia.

U.S. foreign policy objectives in Somalia are simply to promote political and economic growth and stability, avert the use of Somalia as a refuge for terrorists, as well as ease and reduce the humanitarian crisis caused by years of conflict, drought, flooding, and failed government and leadership officials. The United States is dedicated to assisting Somalia's government, strengthen democratic institutions, improve stability and security, and deliver results to the Somali people. The U.S. has urged the Somali leadership to continue to consolidate gains by helping structures emerge through community dialogue and reconciliation, rapidly providing services, and drafting legislation to facilitate implementation of the provisional constitution. The U.S. also has welcomed the African Union Mission in Somalia's success in driving the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization out of st...

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...ained are; education, agriculture, and healthcare. All three areas would provide a means for Somalia to provide from within and not fall victim to “quid pro quo” or “this for that” situations that its people have historically fallen victim to.

In addition to the counsel already provided in the areas previously listed, the U.S. should focus its mentoring efforts to help Somalia create an oligopoly on protection and constabulary of its citizens. At present time, in various locations, law enforcement officials are mostly beholders. Disarming, demobilizing and reintegrating hundreds of thousands of armed men in Somalia will not be easy, but it’s more than necessary; it’s crucial. The U.S. has the ability to play a pivotal position in the populace, having a psyche result contributed from years of abuse to the very people this young government means to advise and lead.