MOGADISHU— The United States has appointed senior career diplomat Ruth Anne Stevens-Klitz as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Somalia, where she is expected to take up her post in Mogadishu during August 2026.

Stevens-Klitz brings more than 25 years of experience in the U.S. Foreign Service, with an extensive diplomatic career spanning Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Before her appointment to Somalia, she served as Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. Her previous overseas assignments include postings in Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco, Germany, Israel and Armenia, alongside a number of diplomatic and policy roles in Washington, D.C.

Throughout her career, Stevens-Klitz has developed broad expertise in public diplomacy and international engagement, including building partnerships with host governments, international organisations, private-sector actors and civil society. Her work has also focused on strengthening dialogue, expanding access to information and promoting exchanges of ideas between the United States and its international partners.

She has significant experience in initiatives involving youth and emerging leaders, economic and commercial engagement, cultural heritage preservation and the promotion of media freedom.

Stevens-Klitz holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. She is also proficient in French, German, Russian and Arabic.

Her appointment comes at a significant point in Somalia–U.S. relations, which remain anchored in cooperation on security, counterterrorism, stabilisation, institutional development and diplomatic engagement.

As Deputy Chief of Mission, Stevens-Klitz is expected to play a central role in the day-to-day leadership of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Somalia and in advancing Washington’s engagement with the Federal Government of Somalia and other Somali stakeholders.

Her arrival in Mogadishu will be closely watched as both countries continue efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation and address Somalia’s evolving political, security and development priorities.