Somalia: U.S. Diplomat Ruth Anne Stevens-Klitz Takes Up Deputy Chief of Mission Role in Somalia

What the report says

Career U.S. diplomat Ruth Anne Stevens-Klitz has begun serving as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia, according to the embassy, as reported by Horn Diplomat and distributed by AllAfrica. The appointment was said to take effect in August 2026. Stevens-Klitz brings more than 25 years of diplomatic experience, with service across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Before taking up the Mogadishu post, she most recently worked as Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. The embassy said her career has included assignments in Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco, Germany, Israel, Armenia and several posts in Washington, D.C. It also highlighted her experience in outreach to local audiences and work with governments, international organizations, businesses and civil society.

The report said her portfolio has included support for youth engagement, economic and commercial ties, media freedom, cultural heritage and the exchange of ideas across communities. Stevens-Klitz, who is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, studied foreign service at Georgetown University and completed a master’s degree at the U.S. Army War College. She speaks French, German, Russian and Arabic.

Her arrival comes as the U.S. maintains involvement in Somalia on security, governance, economic development and broader Horn of Africa issues.