First Head of U.S. Mission to Somalia in 20 years visits CJTF-HOA

Diplomat begins task of building new relationship between US and Somalia.

By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt.Victoria Sneed , Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Oct 27, 2015

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Retired Ambassador David Kaeuper, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Somalia stands before the Somali flag during his tour of the Fusion Action Cell hive at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 15, 2015. The Ambassador toured Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s facilities and met with members to learn about the CJTF-HOA mission and its capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria Sneed/Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt.Victoria Sneed

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Retired Ambassador David Kaeuper, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Somalia hears an explanation from U.S. Army Maj. Kristopher Erickson, Somalia desk lead for the Fusion Action Cell hive at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 15, 2015. The FAC personnel are separated into country desks composed of subject matter experts and foreign liaison officers who are responsible for streamlining the planning and coordination of projects in their respective countries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria Sneed/Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt.Victoria Sneed

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - After more than 20 years of limited U.S. diplomatic interaction with Somalia, one man is now beginning the task of building new relationships and increasing coordination between the two nations.

Ambassador David Kaeuper, who previously served and retired as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, is now the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Somalia.

“My job is to help improve the ability to coordinate U.S. policy on security in the region and consult with regional capitals,” said Kaeuper.

He met recently with Maj. Gen. Mark Stammer, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commander, to understand CJTF-HOA’s mission and role in supporting security and stability in East Africa.

“We are here to build institutions, to help African partners come up with African solutions,” said Stammer.

With many ties to U.S. embassies throughout the Horn of Africa, CJTF-HOA aligns with the U.S. State Department to support partner countries.

“Our most essential roles are to support the development of a democratic process,” said Kaeuper. “We are here to rebuild communities by helping provide governing structure and create a political environment where violent extremists are not supported.”

To begin helping Somalia build a political system, a foundation must be laid.

“There needs to be milestones and achievable items in digestible portions,” said Stammer. “You can’t just show someone a headquarters organizational map and say ‘All you need is one of these,’ and expect it to happen.”

The job Kaeuper is stepping into will lay foundations for the new ambassador, when appointed.

“We will help create a sense of unity in the larger structure,” said Kaeuper. “We need to assist in finding a rhythm that doesn’t violate clan rules on how they assemble.”

The task may seem daunting, but Kaeuper said he has aspirations toward the end goal.

“We are beginning to work and are gaining some credibility,” said Kaeuper “We have to create a new process to help the sense of unity.”

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United States Africa Command

First Head of U.S. Mission to Somalia in 20 years visits CJTF-HOA

Diplomat begins task of building new relationship between US and Somalia.

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Image

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Image