Somalia’s Ambassador to the United States, Mr Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmake, confirmed by US President Barack Obama
Mogadishu: Mr Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmake, was confirmed on Monday 14 July 2014, as Somalia’s first ambassador to the United States of America since 1991.
US President Barack Obama, in a ceremony at the White House, confirmed Ambassador Sharmake.
Ambassador Sharmake has held several leadership positions within the Somali Government, including as Prime Minister for the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia from 2009-2010. He has served in various positions with the United Nations, including as the Political Adviser with the African Union Mission in Sudan, and with the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone. He has led various civil society organisations including the Centre for peace and Development Initiative (CPDI) in Canada, and most recently, the Centre for Policy and Dialogue- Somalia and Kenya.
Ambassador Sharmake holds a Master of Arts in Political Economy from Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada), a Bachelor of Arts (High Honours) from Carleton and a Bachelor Arts in Economics from the Somali National University (Mogadishu, Somalia).
HE President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud remarked, “I approved the appointment of Ambassador Sharmarke to this very important and strategic position with great pleasure. I am delighted that he has now been confirmed by President Obama and can take up his role of continuing to strengthen political, trade, economic and development ties between the United States and Somalia.
“The confirmation of Ambassador Sharmarke confirms our mutual goals of security, inclusive, sustainable development and good governance for Somalia, and demonstrates the strength of trust and cooperation between Somalia and the United States,” said HE The President.
The United States has supported the pursuit of stability and growth of democracy in Somalia for many years, working with the Somali National Army to recruit and train forces; supporting AMISOM since 2007 with training, equipment and logistical support, and providing aid and development support, focusing on democracy and governance, economic recovery, education, health and reducing the appeal of extremism.
