U.S.-Somalia Relations

The United States and Somalia established diplomatic relations in 1960, following Somalia’s independence from British and Italian administration. After a 1969 coup, Somalia’s elected government was replaced by military rule, which aligned the country with the Soviet Union. However, in the 1970s, following a war with Ethiopia, Somalia began seeking support from the West, including the United States, for military and economic aid.

The outbreak of civil war in the 1980s led to the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991. During this period, various Somali factions, sometimes supported by external forces, fought for control of the country. Although diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Somalia were never formally severed, the U.S. Embassy in Somalia was closed from 1991 to 2018. Despite numerous mediation efforts, a transitional government was established in 2004. Somalia completed its political transition in 2012 with a new federal parliament and president. The United States formally recognized the new federal government of Somalia (FGS) on January 17, 2013. In February 2017, President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed was elected following Somalia’s first national electoral process since the 2012 transition. Elections planned for 2021 have faced delays due to political disagreements and crises.

The U.S. aims to promote political and economic stability in Somalia, prevent the country from becoming a safe haven for international terrorism, and address the humanitarian crisis caused by conflict, drought, and poor governance. Since 2013, the FGS has made progress in building government institutions, negotiating with regional authorities, and supporting community stabilization. The United States supports Somalia’s state-building efforts, including federal state formation, constitutional review, democratic elections, reconciliation, and strengthening governance institutions. The U.S. recognizes Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its 1960 borders, including Somaliland and Puntland, and supports the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali forces in combating al-Shabaab and enhancing security.

U.S. Assistance to Somalia

Since 2006, the United States has provided over $3 billion in humanitarian aid to Somalia, addressing drought, famine, and refugee needs. Additionally, since 2011, the U.S. has contributed $253 million in development assistance to support economic, political, and social stability, establish a formal economy, and improve basic services and governance. The U.S. collaborates with other donors and international organizations to support social services and develop a representative security sector, including military, police, and justice sectors.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Trade and investment between the U.S. and Somalia are limited. U.S. exports to Somalia include legumes, grain, baking goods, donated products, and machinery. U.S. imports from Somalia consist mainly of precious stones and low-value shipments.

Somalia’s Membership in International Organizations

Both Somalia and the United States are members of several international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank.

Bilateral Representation

On December 2, 2018, the United States reestablished a permanent diplomatic presence in Somalia for the first time since the closure of the U.S. embassy in Mogadishu on January 5, 1991. In addition to the embassy in Mogadishu, the U.S. mission to Somalia operates partially from the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, which also handles consular services for Somalia. For further details, the Somali embassy in Washington is located at 1609 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202.853.9164).