President Obama informed Congress on Thursday of his intention to renew  sanctions against Somalia despite the country forming a central government for  the first time in 22 years.

The Obama administration recognized  the government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Jan. 17. The move paves the  way for a resumption of civilian and military aid and full diplomatic relations  with a country that had operated without a government since warlords toppled the  central government in 1991.

“Although the U.S. recognition underscores a strong commitment to Somalia’s  stabilization, it does not remove the importance of U.S. sanctions, especially  against persons undermining the stability of Somalia,” Obama wrote to  congressional leaders. “For this reason, I have determined that it is necessary  to continue the national emergency with respect to Somalia and to maintain in  force the sanctions to respond to this threat.”

The decision renews for a year sanctions such as restrictions on charcoal  exports that have funded the Islamist militant group al Shabaab.

Source:thehill.com