I strongly condemn the recent terror attacks in both Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and Mogadishu, Somalia. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those injured and killed in the all-too-frequent acts of terror that threaten nations around the world. 

Together with our international partners, the United States must continue to combat extremism and radical terror groups like Al Qaeda in Maghreb and Al Shabaab. The international community has a responsibility to strengthen the coordination of our security and development efforts within Africa in order to effectively combat extremist organizations and foster development to help promote stability throughout the world. The critical work of AMISOM and Kenya's contributions to that mission illustrate progress that can be built upon in the region. 

I supported the establishment of a U.S. Mission to Somalia in Kenya in September 2015 and encourage the Administration to carefully asses the evolving situation on the ground in Somalia to gauge a time for the Mission to move to Somalia when security conditions allow. I was encouraged to see President Obama nominate Stephen Michael Schwartz as the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia last week, and urge the U.S Senate to swiftly confirm Mr. Schwartz. As Ambassador, Mr. Schwartz can begin the critical work of coordinating with the Somalia government to strengthen our commitment to addressing the causes of extremism.