"For the first time since 1991, the United States is recognising the government of Somalia," she said, adding Washington now wanted "an open, transparent dialogue about what more we can do to help the people of Somalia realise their own dream." The move turns the page on the darkest chapter in ties between the two nations, when in 1993 Americans were anguished by scenes of US soldiers being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu by a mob after Somali militants shot down two Black Hawk helicopters.
Eighteen Americans died, and 80 were wounded. Somalia has not had an effective central government since 1991. But a new Somali administration took office last year, ending eight years of transitional rule by a corruption-riddled government. "Somalia is very grateful for the unwavering support from the United States to the people of Somalia," Mohamud told Clinton, after earlier meeting US President Barack Obama at the White House.