James P. McAnulty

During McAnulty’s tenure as envoy to Somalia, the U.S. has been accused by some of using heavy handed tactics to micromanage the country's affairs, even, of waging a "war" against the country, and being insensitive to its peoples' cultures and religious beliefs.[6] In his official capacity as U.S. Special Representative to Somalia, McAnulty in late 2015 threatened significant cuts in U.S. foreign aid to Somalia if its political infighting did not cease.[7] He cautioned Somalia president Silanyo against further delay of parliamentary elections, while tacitly threatening the withdrawal of aid if the elections were not held on schedule. The leaked letter from Envoy McAnulty to Somalia President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud "Silanyo" appears at right.[8] McAnulty condemned the August 22 and 23, 2015 Al-Shabaab (militant group) attacks against the Somali National Army, Kenyan Defense Forces and civilians.[9] He also wrote an internet article urging cessation of and condemning the cultural practice of “genital mutilation” (female circumcision) in sub-Saharan Africa.[10] In August 2014, the Somali and U.S. governments reached an agreement in Washington stipulating that the United States would contribute $1.9 million toward security sector reform, development and capacity-building efforts in Somalia, which McAnulty signed on behalf of the U.S. government.