US Cold War fears misread Somalia’s support for Somalis under colonial rule

Evidence

While the West German government was not deeply disturbed by Soviet domination of the Somali military, because it believed Somali leaders had an independent mind, American administration views about the second republic were Janus-faced. They commented approvingly on the Somalis’ clear commitment to democratic practice but believed that the Somali government had crossed a line and created opportunities for their Cold War enemies. However, the evidence is that Hussen’s government was staunchly true to the ideals of nonalignment. The American government wished Somalis would not support their brothers under colonial rule in Ethiopia, French Somaliland, and Kenya because this necessitated the Soviet-Somali military agreement. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 847