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Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson leads the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, the division in the Department focused on the development and management of U.S. policy concerning the continent.
There are five pillars that serve as the foundation of U.S. policy toward Africa:
1) Support for democracy and the strengthening of democratic institutions on the continent, including free, fair, and transparent elections.
2) Supporting African economic growth and development.
3) Conflict prevention, mitigation, and resolution.
4) Supporting Presidential initiatives such as the Global Health Initiative, Feed the Future, and the Global Climate Change Initiative.
5) Working with African nations on transnational issues such as drug smuggling, money laundering, illicit arms, and trafficking in persons. More»
A Comprehensive Multi-year Strategy To Counter the Lord's Resistance Army
The United States comprehensive, multi-year strategy seeks to help the Governments of Uganda, CAR, the DRC, and South Sudan as well as the African Union and United Nations to mitigate and end the threat posed to civilians and regional stability by the LRA. Fact Sheet»
Somalia Political Process
Deputy Spokesperson Toner (May 3): "The United States is encouraged by the progress made so far, however, several steps remain to be completed: selection of delegates to a constituent assembly; approval of a new constitution, selection of a new and smaller parliament, and the indirect election of a new speaker and president." Full Text»
Seventh Annual Fortune/State Department Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership
Twenty-five emerging women leaders from countries including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are visiting the United States from April 29 – May 25, 2012. This public-private partnership, which is conducted in coordination with the Vital Voices Global Partnership, connects emerging international women leaders with one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Leaders to encourage the next generation of women leaders to bring positive change to their companies and communities. Full Text» More»
Verdict Declared in Charles Taylor Trial
Spokesperson Nuland (Apr. 26): "The trial of Charles Taylor is of enormous historical and legal significance as it is the first of a powerful head of state to be brought to judgment before an international tribunal on charges of mass atrocities and serious violations of international humanitarian law." Full Text»
Conflict Is Not Inevitable
Apr. 21: President Obama's message directly to the people of Sudan and South Sudan. Full Text» Attacks on South Sudan»
Recent Developments in Sudan and South Sudan
Ambassador Lyman (Apr. 19): "I was quoted in an article saying that there – it’s already war, but that’s not true. Obviously, armed clashes are taking place, and that’s very true and terribly, terribly troublesome. But it’s important to note how governments are being very careful about this, and as you note, a new statement just coming out of Juba making it clear that they are not seeing themselves at war with Sudan and they want to return to peaceful relationship." Full Text»
Increased Military Attacks Between Sudan and South Sudan
Apr. 11: The United States is deeply disturbed by the escalating hostilities between Sudan and South Sudan and condemns offensive military action by either side. We condemn South Sudan’s military involvement in the attack on and seizure of Heglig, an act which goes beyond self-defense and has increased tensions between Sudan and South Sudan to dangerous levels. Full Text»
Nigeria: One Year After Elections
Assistant Secretary Carson (Apr. 9th): "We did not know for certain whether months of careful election preparations would result in a process Nigerians considered free and credible or a rerun of the deeply flawed 2007 presidential elections. Skeptics were everywhere and many said good elections could not be held. Nigerians had a different idea." Full Text»
18th Commemoration of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide
The United States joined countries on April 7 throughout the world as we collectively remember the approximately 800,000 Rwandan men, women and children who, over the course of 100 days, were brutally murdered in Rwanda’s genocide 18 years ago. Full Text» More»
The Political and Security Situation in Mali
Apr. 6: We do not recognize the statement by the National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad (MNLA) announcing independence as valid, and we reiterate our support for the territorial integrity of Mali. We also call on the MNLA to cease all military operations. Full Text» Visa Restrictions»
Special Briefing: On the Humanitarian Situation in Sudan and South Sudan
Apr. 2: "...clashes are continuing in both Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. Humanitarian conditions are understood to be deteriorating in both conflict zones, and so additional arrivals are expected in the coming months. The number of refugees in Upper Nile has already exceeded UNHCR’s planning figure. And with these numbers the agencies remain in a race against time." Full Text»
Presidential Elections in Senegal
Mar. 26: Yesterday, the people of Senegal exercised their rights and made their voices heard through a peaceful, democratic election. This election was an important step forward for democracy in Africa and for the Senegalese people. Full Text»
Violence in Southern Kordofan and Negotiations Between Sudan and South Sudan
Mar. 22: The United States is alarmed by the threat of greater violence between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Northern Sector (SPLM-N) in Southern Kordofan State. Any such fighting will only worsen the humanitarian crisis there and lead to more civilian casualties. Full Text»
Tourism: A Powerful Platform for Africa's Economic Growth
Deputy Assistant Secretary Brigety (Mar. 16): "A large number of countries worldwide depend on tourism for significant revenue, and Africa is no exception. International tourism receipts in Africa totaled USD $44 billion in 2010. This signifies that the sector can become a powerful platform for Africa’s economic growth, and especially, U.S.-Africa tourism." Full Text»
U.S. Department of State Announces Expansion of TechWomen to Africa
Mar. 13: TechWomen will bring women working in the technology sector from Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to the United States for a four to six week mentoring program with their American counterparts in the United States. Full Text»
Passing of Congressman Donald Payne
Mar. 8: With great sorrow and profound respect, I add my voice to the many others mourning the passing of a dedicated statesman – and friend – Congressman Donald Payne. Congressman Payne dedicated much of his life to public service, his community, our nation and the global struggle for human rights and dignity. Full Text»
Condolences to Those Affected by Sunday’s Explosions in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Mar. 5: The U.S. Embassy in Brazzaville is in the process of issuing a disaster declaration that will allow the U.S. to provide emergency assistance and relief to help the victims of this tragedy. Full Text»
Violence Along the Sudan-South Sudan Border
Mar. 1: The United States continues to stress to the Government of South Sudan the need to respect the sovereignty of Sudan and immediately end any military support for Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North rebels. The actions of both parties are inflaming conflict, fuelling mistrust, and imperiling the efforts of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel to facilitate agreements between the parties on outstanding Comprehensive Peace Agreement issues. Full Text»
KNOW THE FACTS: Famine, War, and Drought
Despite the magnitude of the crisis, many are unaware of the situation - famine, war, and drought are threatening millions of lives in the Horn of Africa and the world should be talking about it. FACT: A $10 donation can feed a child for 10 days. Learn More» Replay of Stream» Learn/Share on : Facebook» Twitter: #AskFWD
