John Kerry on Tuesday made a surprise visit to Somalia, the Horn of Africa nation that is struggling to rebuild after two decades of war against Islamist insurgency by al Shabaab militants.
The details of the unexpected visit by the first U.S. Secretary of State to pay a visit Somalia were made by John Kerry’s reporter.
Kerry is set to meet Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the prime minister, provincial leaders and civilian groups.
Details of the meeting as in where and what time the meeting will take place are withheld for security reasons.
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The United States is committed to help the young government of Somalia to battl out the Islamic insurgents who are set for the country’s downfall.
Western nations are at the moment pouring aid into Somalia to help it in reconstruction and prevent it sliding back into the hands of al Shabaab who are still controlling some territories in Somalia to launch attacks there and on neighboring states.
One of the most hit countries neighbouring Somalia is Kenya, where the most recently experienced attack targeted a university killing 148 people.
Washington named Katherine Dhanani as ambassador to Somalia earlier this year, the first since the early 1990s, when the United States pulled out of the country.
The United States pulled its forces out of Somalia after the 1993 “Black Hawk Down” incident when a US helicopter was shot down over Mogadishu, killing 18 soldiers.
Other Western nations, including Britain, have already opened embassies inside the airport perimeter, which is surrounded by heavy security.
The Secretary of State visit to Somalia comes as the nation is due to hold a referendum on a new constitution and an election for its president in 2016. Diplomats say political bickering and government reshuffles have hindered that process.
