Devex: The ‘political dimension’ to the USAID move to Mogadishu
“The U.S. government reopened a permanent mission of the U.S. Agency for International Development in Somalia on Monday, 28 years after it closed when civil war led to the collapse of the central government. The decision to reopen a mission, according to USAID, was fueled by the Somali government’s ‘commitment to meaningful reform and re-engagement with the international community.’ … But the reopening of the USAID mission also has a ‘very political dimension,’ said Matt Bryden, strategic adviser to Sahan, a Somalia-focused think tank. It could be used to bolster the central government’s dismissal of federal member states, he said…” (Jerving, 6/18).

VOA News: U.S. Reopens Permanent USAID Mission in Somalia
“The United States is reopening its permanent U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Somalia, 28 years since its closing on January 5, 1991. Although the U.S. never formally severed diplomatic relations with Somalia, the U.S. Embassy in Somalia was closed in 1991, when the civil war in the 1980s led to the collapse of the country’s central government in 1991…” (Ching, 6/17).

Washington Post: The U.S. is pouring millions into Somalia despite concerns over dependency on aid
“The U.S. government’s top official in charge of foreign aid traveled to Somalia’s capital on Monday to announce a large humanitarian assistance package, but not[ed] that humanitarian aid is a ‘necessary evil’ for the drought- and conflict-plagued country where the American military has engaged in counterterrorism ­offensives for almost 30 years…” (Bearak, 6/17).

Xinhua News: U.S. provides 185 mln USD in humanitarian support for Somalia
“The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided 185 million dollars in humanitarian assistance to help Somali people facing acute food shortage. USAID Administrator Mark Green said in a statement issued on Monday evening that the funds will address food insecurity and acute malnutrition, and deliver safe water and emergency health care to people affected by ongoing conflict and prolonged drought…” (6/18)