Amidst a shift in U.S. policy under President Trump, Somalia's government is looking to Turkey for military assistance in its fight against the militant group al-Shabab. The reduction of U.S. foreign aid and military support has emboldened al-Shabab, a powerful affiliate of al-Qaeda. With the U.S. military's recent policy changes, the effectiveness of Somali forces is in question as they struggle against a resurgent al-Shabab. Experts warn that neglecting this issue could have serious consequences for U.S. interests in both Africa and the Middle East.
"The Trump administration is apparently not convinced that al-Shabab represents a direct threat to U.S. interests," said Matt Bryden, founder of Sahan, a Nairobi-based think tank.
"I sat down with people from the White House, and they asked: 'What if we just let [Somalia] burn? Can we contain it?' I said 'No!'" said a former senior State Department official.
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