SOMALIA: U.S Ambassador Speaks Out
William Ballamy; the United States Ambassador to Kenya whose his diplomatic mission also covers Somalia wrote a letter to the Kenyan Daily Nation newspaper and wrote the following:Â
Fighting between rival militias in Mogadishu, which some press reports have wrongly blamed on the United States, has dominated recent news coverage of Somalia. The real story of American involvement in Somalia is a much different one. It is true that the US has encouraged a variety of groups in Somalia, in all corners of the country, and among all clans, to oppose the Al Qaeda presence and reject the Somali militants who shelter and protect these terrorists. At the same time, the US has offered strong moral and diplomatic support to the institutions of the newly founded and still struggling Somali Government. Lost in the diplomacy and politics is the fact that the US is reaching out in many ways to help improve the lives of ordinary Somalis.
Over the past six months, for instance, the US has donated $81.4 million for food aid to feed starving Somalis in the drought-stricken areas. The US has also provided $2.5 million to grassroots community organisations for peace building projects. Somalis are working together to end hate propaganda, clan conflicts, and revenge killings at US-funded peace centres in Baidoa, Kismayo, Belet-Weyne, Durao, and Galkayo. In Nairobi, the US works with the United Nations to finance the Somalia Support Secretariat as it coordinates efforts between the international community and Somalia to provide technical assistance and promote peace and effective government in Somalia. Last month, the United States launched an innovative radio education programme that will reach more than 65,000 Somali children over the next six months. There are a host of other smaller initiatives ranging from university scholarships, to libraries, to teacher training to travel grants underway in Somalia with the direct financial support of the US. Throughout Somalia, the United States works with nearly 60 NGOs to promote good government and support peace and conflict resolution.Â
William M. Bellamy, U.S. Ambassador, Kenya.Â