State Dept . official : The United States and its European allies have strengthened diplomatic ties with Somalia since Hassan Sheikh Mohamud , a civil activist , was elected president in September 2012 . Move reflects ` ` our belief that better times are ahead '' for Somalia . Somalia has no immediate plans to open an embassy ; the ambassador would be from Kenya . U.S. closed its embassy in Mogadishu in 1991 , but has maintained diplomatic relations .
State Dept . official : Move reflects ` ` our belief that better times are ahead '' for Somalia . Somalia has no immediate plans to open an embassy ; the ambassador would be from Kenya . U.S. closed its embassy in Mogadishu in 1991 , but has maintained diplomatic relations .