US provides $41 million in aid to Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States has yet again come to the aid of Somalia, a country ravaged by drought, violent extremism and internal political squabbles, in a donation which would help the country address a looming humanitarian crisis which could subject thousands of vulnerable families to possible death.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the United Nations, announced the support on Sunday during her trip to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The top envoy held a closed-door meeting with the country's president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed support for President Hassan Sheikh’s efforts to foster reconciliation and advance the political, economic, and security reforms necessary for Somalia’s lasting stability, read a statement published by the US mission to the United Nations.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Somali-led counterterrorism efforts and discussed with President Hassan Sheikh the ongoing humanitarian emergency and the need to diversify international donor support to prevent famine and save lives.

"In a speech, I just made in Mogadishu, I called on international donors to increase their contributions to humanitarian response efforts in Somalia. To provide food, health care, access to water, sanitation, and shelter, and protection for the most vulnerable," she said.

"I’m proud to announce over $40 million in new U.S. funding to Somalia to save lives and meet humanitarian needs.
This USAID funding will address extreme food gaps, treat severe malnutrition in women and children, and combat the current outbreak of deadly diseases," the top envoy added.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud acknowledged the support from the US, which emphasized the need to help the country effectively fight the war against Al-Shabaab militants. The US has massively invested in Somalia's counter-terrorism mission for over three decades now.

"In a fruitful discussion held with U.S. Representative to the UN Ambassador USAmbUN in Mogadishu today, we discussed Somalia's state-building endeavours, including progress made in areas of security, strengthening our state institutions & the U.S critical support for Somalia," he added.

The US has been supporting the Danab Special Forces who are responsible for complex operations against the Al-Shabaab extortionists. The soldiers get direct training besides being equipped by the US, which helps the soldiers with aerial surveillance.

GAROWE ONLINE