First visit by a U.S. Secretary of State to African nation

Washington (May 5, 2015) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Africa and Global Health Subcommittee, released the following statement today after Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Mogadishu this week.

“I applaud Secretary Kerry for his historic visit to Mogadishu to meet with Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud.  Somalia's governance, security, and development challenges are immense, but Secretary Kerry’s visit delivered a message of hope and reiterated U.S. commitment to supporting Somalia’s growth and prosperity. Secretary Kerry’s engagement this week with Kenyan President Kenyatta on the plight of Somali refugees in Kenya was critical as we work toward Somalia’s stability. Somali refugees must not be forced to return home until they can do so on their terms.”

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