André has been the US ambassador to Djibouti since 2017, having previously served as US ambassador to Mauritania, from 2014 to 2017. André is a veteran diplomat, having worked in diplomacy since the 1990s, and has served in nine foreign missions, mostly in Africa.
André’s appointment comes amid strained relations between the United States and Somalia, and the State Department has recently threatened actions, including sanctions against federal government officials after a two-year extension.
Donald Yamamoto has long been accused of being too close to the federal government Political analysts believe Larry André’s appointment comes at a critical time for the federal government, as he is a diplomat who believes in democracy and human rights, and will face much pressure.