Larry Edward André Jr.

Larry Edward André Jr. is an American career diplomat within the United States Foreign Service who has served as the United States Ambassador to Mauritania since 2022. He previously served as the United States Ambassador to Somalia from 2021 to 2022, operating from the diplomatic hub in Nairobi, Kenya. A specialist in African affairs, his postings have focused on nations in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region, often in complex political and security environments.

Early life and education

Larry Edward André Jr. was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He completed his undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then pursued a Master of Arts in political science from the University of Kentucky. Later in his career, he attended the National War College at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., where he received a Master of Science degree in national security strategy.

Diplomatic career

André’s diplomatic career spans several decades with a primary focus on Africa. His early assignments included service as a political officer at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and as the U.S. Consul General in Frankfurt, Germany. He held significant positions in Washington, D.C., including Director of the Office of Economic and Regional Affairs within the Bureau of African Affairs at the United States Department of State. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti and later at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana, working under Ambassador Robert P. Jackson.

Ambassador to Somalia

André was nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate as the United States Ambassador to Somalia. He presented his credentials to then-President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (Farmajo) in Mogadishu in December 2021. His tenure was marked by intense engagement with the Federal Government of Somalia during a critical period of delayed national elections and ongoing conflict against the militant group al-Shabaab. He worked closely with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and international partners like the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). His term concluded in December 2022 when he was succeeded by Shane L. Dixon.

Ambassador to Mauritania

In 2022, André was nominated to become the United States Ambassador to Mauritania. Following confirmation, he was sworn in and presented his credentials to Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in Nouakchott. His mandate in Mauritania focuses on strengthening bilateral relations, advancing regional security cooperation in the Sahel against threats from groups like Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin, and promoting issues of human rights and democratic governance. He works with various Mauritanian institutions and coordinates with other diplomatic missions, including those of France and the European Union.

Controversies

André’s tenure in Somalia attracted scrutiny following the 2022 Somali presidential election and the subsequent policies of the new administration under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Some analysts and members of the Somali diaspora criticized the United States for its perceived strong support of the Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed government during a contentious electoral process. Furthermore, his diplomatic approach in engaging with regional leaders in Somaliland and Puntland was occasionally a point of debate regarding Federalism in Somalia. No formal investigations or official reprimands have been associated with his conduct.

Category:American diplomats Category:United States ambassadors to Mauritania Category:United States ambassadors to Somalia Category:1961 births Category:Living people Category:National War College alumni Category:Louisiana State University alumni Category:University of Kentucky alumni