A high flying US diplomat based in Nairobi has resigned over what she has termed as continued show of abrasiveness by the US government in fight against Somalia-based Al shabaab.
Elizabeth Schakleford who has been the political officer for US Somalia Mission said her department’s influence is fading away.
In a letter she addressed to the Secretary of State RixTillerson on November 7, she cited Donald Trump’s military-focused foreign policy in Somalia as her main reason for resigning.
The letter was published on Washington-based online journal, Foreign Policy.
Shackleford, 38 said Trump’s approach to the issue is different from Barrack Obama’s approach which was diplomatic and cautious.
“We have ceded to the (military headquarter) Pentagon our authority to drive US foreign policy at the behest of the White House but to our detriment as a nation,” read part of her letter to the Secretary of State.
She further added: “The cost of this is visible every day in Mission Somalia, my current post, where state’s diplomatic influence, on the country and within our interagency, is waning.”
Shackleford noted her department’s effort has borne fruits over the years. She cited the election of Mohammed Abdullahi alias “Farmajo” as President as one of the gains she has in her job.
“I had witnessed a historic moment that state and my own work had helped deliver through persistent engagement to ensure Somalia’s Presidential election process was credible and inclusive…our government has failed to demonstrate a commitment to promoting and defending human rights and democracy.”
She added that US President has a “dismissive” attitude which has not augured well with her department.
“President Trump’s dismissive attitude toward human rights was no surprise following his campaign, but your May 3 remarks to Department staff shocked many as you called into question the utility of advancing human rights when it proves convenient.”
Trump’s administration prefers military action to diplomacy. This has led to resignation of several ambassadors mostly in African countries.
About 6, 000 US troops have been deployed in various African countries including Kenya.