President Barack Obama has named seasoned diplomat Katherine Dhanani as the new ambassador to the African nation of Somalia after 24 years. According to the U.S. State department, they are planning to reopen the Embassy in Somalia’s capital city, Mogadishu. The relationship between U.S. and Somalia got deteriorated in the beginning of 1990s as riots engulfed the poverty stricken African territory. The U.S. will have to confirm the name of Katherine Dhanani, who has rich experience and deep knowledge of African affairs. As reported by Al Jazeera:

“The historic nomination signals the deepening relationship between the United States and Somalia. It also allows us to mark the progress of the Somali people toward emerging from decades of conflict. The United States is committed to supporting Somalia on this journey as a steadfast partner.”

Ambassador Dhanani will lead the U.S. mission to Somalia, which is currently based at Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The U.S. is eagerly looking to increase diplomat presence in Somalia. U.S.-Somalia relations came to an end in 1993 after Americans were shocked by the cold blooded assassination of US soldiers in Mogadishu. After an era of worst political turmoil, Somalia received billions and billions of dollars as foreign aid from global nations including the U.S. Although the U.S. recognized the new Somalia government in 2013, national security still remains a grave concern in this country cursed with adverse socioeconomic conditions.

A Breakthrough in Diplomacy

The announcement comes only days after extremists killed twenty five people in an attack on a Mogadishu hotel. The U.S. is well aware of the fact that Somalia has miles to go before its transition into a peaceful, democratic and prosperous nation. It is expected that U.S. will lead an intensified effort to improve security, governance, and development of Somalia. World nations have recognized that Somalia will have a major effort ahead in terms of overcoming decades of famine, warfare, corruption and real bloodshed between ethnic groups. While speaking at US Institute of Peace, the Under Secretary of State elaborated on the new development:

“[the] appointment of new ambassador to Somalia is a reflection of our deepening relationship with the country and of our faith that better times are ahead”.

Working from neighboring Kenya, U.S. special representative to Somalia James McAnulty and other diplomats pursued all possible avenues to forge new relationship between the two countries.

When asked about appointment confirmation of Katherine Dhanani from Senate, a US Department Official limited her response in one word, “very soon”. President Obama made clear in his foreign policy speech that Government is keen on working closely with partner countries and global organizations to enhance security. He had proposed a new counter terrorism partnership fund worth $5 billion to support countries on fight against terrorism and regional violence. The African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia will be benefited from this counter terrorism partnership fund. The U.S. and other countries are hopeful of Somalia’s capability to build security force on their own that will operate under Government control, represent interests of common man, and respect international laws. A small contingent of US military has been present in different parts of Somalia for several years.

Some Hope for the Somalia Population

The African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia works with the Somalian army to restore piece in the region. According to State Department Official Wendy Sherman, “The pivotal test for Somalia will not be procuring more assistance from the world community. Somali population will have to decide whether they want to exist as disparate community and conflict with one another or as a united country with all benefits”.

Since 2007, U.S. has contributed more than five hundred million dollars in training, equipment and logistical support to African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Every stakeholder at AMISOM firmly agrees that the peacekeeping mission in Somalia cannot be continued indefinitely. The Somalian Army was successful in curbing extremist activities in the country up to a great extent for a brief time period. The Army has a separate wing for dealing with regional extremists, known as the Somali Advanced Infantry Company.

The appointment of new U.S. ambassador to Somalia will hopefully start of a new era of diplomacy between the two countries and it will surely give a revitalized outlook to the political and social framework of Africa’s poorest country.

At this time, Costa Rica does not have diplomatic relations with Somalia; although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has extended solidarity to that African nation in the wake of terrorist attacks and periods of famine. This is an example of a country that Costa Rica has considered as a potential recipient of foreign aid.