United States recognizes Somali government

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- The United States has recognized Somalia's government for the first time in more than two decades.

Calling it a milestone in Somalia's fight against Islamist extremists, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton made the announcement yesterday alongside President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Later, President Barack Obama met privately with Mohamud at the White House.

The United States hadn't recognized a Somali government since warlords toppled dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. American intervention failed two years later after militants shot down two U.S. helicopters and killed 18 American servicemen.

Times have changed, Clinton said, citing the militant group al-Shabab's retreat from every major Somali city. The United States provided $780 million to African forces for the effort.

The White House expressed optimism about Somalia's future and pledged to work with the country's new government to promote peace and security, improve the economy and boost social services. Obama urged his Somali counterpart to "seize this unique opportunity to turn the page on two decades of civil strife," according to a White House statement.

Recognition will help Somalia receive greater assistance from U.S. and international aid agencies. Clinton also spoke about re-establishing an embassy in Somalia.

Somalia's most dangerous militant group claimed, meanwhile, that it killed a French hostage whom French military forces tried to rescue last weekend during a botched raid. Al-Shabab said in a Twitter posting that Denis Allex was killed Wednesday evening.

French officials have said the claims by al-Shabab of an execution were simply propaganda. Allex, a French intelligence agent, had been held by the militants since July 2009. Two French troops and 17 Somalis were killed in the raid, French officials say. The extremists said they had decided to kill Allex in retaliation for the weekend operation.