国际英语新闻:Kerry Makes Historic Trip to Somalia in Show of Support

In a recent interview with VOA Somali Service, President Mohamud called al-Shabab an "enemy that has no dignity." He commented shortly after the Somali-based militant group attacked Kenya's Garissa University College last month, killing 148 people.

After the Garissa attack, some Kenyan political leaders called for the repatriation of Somali refugees at the Dadaab complex in northeastern Kenya. They accused the refugees of playing a role in Kenya's insecurity.

US aid to African Union effort

The United States has provided training, equipment and drone strikes to the African Union-led effort that has ousted al-Shabab from major Somali cities.

In a Tuesday briefing, a senior State Department official said the Somali government still has work to do when it comes to taking control of its own security.

"Somali National Army – the 'national' is missing," the official said, noting the government's efforts to bring clans and sub-clans under the "umbrella" of a national army are still "a work in progress."

Kerry's Mogadishu visit took place as the United States has been working to broaden its engagement with Somalia.

In February, U.S. President Barack Obama nominated career diplomat Katherine Dhanani to serve as the first U.S. ambassador to Somalia since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, she would lead the U.S. Mission to Somalia, which is located in Kenya.

After returning to Kenya from Somalia, Kerry will travel to Djibouti, which hosts the U.S. military hub for the Horn of Africa region. The country has also served as a stopping point for foreigners fleeing unrest in Yemen.

From Djibouti, Kerry travels to Riyadh for talks with senior leaders on regional security.

He is expected to wrap up his trip in Paris, where he will meet with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and the foreign ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, plus participate in World War II Victory Day commemorations.

Americans flee Yemen

In Tuesday's briefing, the senior State Department official said more than 500 Americans are known to have departed from Yemen and traveled to Djibouti, as well as an equal number of family members.

The official said Djibouti has been relatively lenient with its entry requirements, while other countries have imposed restrictions.