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Acting Assistant Secretary Donald Yamamoto 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. Learn More»
The United States comprehensive, multiyear strategy seeks to help the Governments of Uganda, C.A.R., the D.R.C., 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»
Secretary Kerry’s Travel to Africa
Secretary Kerry will travel May 24-25 to Addis Ababa, where he will meet with senior Ethiopian officials to discuss bilateral issues and participate in the Golden Jubilee of the Organization of African Unity at the African Union Summit. More»
State of Emergency and Fighting in Northern Nigeria
Secretary Kerry (May 17): "The United States is deeply concerned about the fighting in northeastern Nigeria following President Jonathan’s declaration of a state of emergency in the Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. We are also deeply concerned by credible allegations that Nigerian security forces are committing gross human rights violations, which, in turn, only escalate the violence and fuel extremism." Full Text»
South Africa Freedom Day
Under Secretary Sherman (May 9): "Tonight we celebrate that successful new order: a South African society based on democracy, justice, equality, and human rights. I am proud to say our two countries remain united by these shared ideals." Full Text»
Inaugural U.S.-Liberia Dialogue
Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman hosted the inaugural session of the U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue, Tuesday, May 7. She was joined by a high-level Liberian delegation including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance, Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of Commerce and Industry. The delegation will be in Washington to promote diplomatic and economic cooperation between the United States and Liberia. More»
Live Chat on Facebook
Apr. 25: Acting Assistant Secretary Yamamoto participated in a live chat where he discussed U.S. foreign policy and Africa, including U.S. support for democracy, conflict prevention and resolution, and economic growth and development. Full Text»
Travel to Ethiopia
Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Tara D. Sonenshine traveled to Ethiopia to meet with government officials, local media, students, and activists to advance shared goals in the areas of press freedom, education, youth development, and conservation April 27-30. More»
Wildlife and Conservation Experts from Africa To Explore Anti-Poaching & Anti-Trafficking Efforts in the U.S.
As part of the United States efforts to combat the illegal trade in wildlife and promote conservation, 13 parks and wildlife ministry officials, field agents, and nongovernmental organization leaders from across Africa will visit the United States April 22-May 10. More»
Commemoration of the Anniversary of the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda
Secretary Kerry (Apr. 7): "The United States stands in solidarity with the Rwandan people as together we remember and honor the victims of those tragic 100 days 19 years ago. We mourn with you not only for the lives lost, but for the families torn apart, and for the survivors of the genocide who continue to live with their grief to this day." Full Text» More»
African Leaders Participate in Discussion on “Consolidating Democratic Gains, Promoting African Prosperity” To Strengthen Partnerships
Assistant Secretary Carson (Mar. 29): "Democracy and good governance not only create free, just, and more stable societies, they also create the traditions for sustainable, broad-based economic growth and development. That is why building strong partnerships to support democracy and good governance has been our top priority in Africa as well as a key pillar of President Obama’s U.S. strategy towards sub-Saharan Africa." Full Text» DipNote» More»
U.S. Response to Humanitarian Needs in the Sahel
Secretary Kerry (Mar. 25): "This new humanitarian assistance will assist food insecure and conflict-affected populations in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in the Sahel and urge others to contribute generously for humanitarian operations." Full Text»
Bosco Ntaganda's Expected Surrender to the International Criminal Court
Secretary Kerry (Mar. 22): "The United States welcomes the removal of one of the most notorious and brutal rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bosco Ntaganda, from Rwanda to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. This is an important moment for all who believe in justice and accountability." Full Text»
Somalia Supreme Court Frees Journalist
Spokesperson Nuland (Mar. 20): "We are hopeful that this ruling, along with earlier statements of Somalia’s President and Prime Minister expressing concern over the original verdict, will help strengthen protection of freedom of expression in Somalia, as guaranteed by the provisional federal constitution." Full Text»
Deteriorating Situation in the Central African Republic
Spokesperson Nuland (Mar. 17): "The United States is deeply concerned about the continued deterioration in the security situation in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.). We call on President Bozize and the leadership of the Seleka alliance to cease hostilities immediately, and implement the provisions of the Libreville Agreement." Full Text»
United States Dedicates New U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal
Mar. 15: The new facility incorporates numerous sustainable features to conserve resources and reduce operating costs, most notably an extensive system of 1,290 photovoltaic panels; solar control shading devices to reduce solar heat gain and energy cooling costs; and on-site treatment of wastewater that is reused for irrigation. More»
Results of Elections in Kenya
Secretary Kerry (Mar. 9): "On behalf of the United States of America, I want to congratulate the people of Kenya for voting peacefully on March 4 and all those elected to office. I am inspired by the overwhelming desire of Kenyans to peacefully make their voices heard, and I applaud the patience they have shown as votes were tallied." Full Text»
Sudan and South Sudan Security Agreement
Spokesperson Nuland (Mar. 9): "The United States welcomes the technical agreement signed between Sudan and South Sudan establishing a Safe Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ), a firm timeline for the withdrawal of forces, and a way ahead for the deployment of a joint border monitoring force." Full Text»
Guinea: Call for Nonviolence and Peaceful Democratic Process
Acting Deputy Spokesperson Ventrell (Feb. 28): "The United States deplores the violence that disrupted political protests in Conakry, Guinea and we reiterate our call for all parties to participate and support the democratic process and commit to nonviolence throughout the electoral cycle." Full Text»
Signature of Framework Agreement for the D.R.C. and the Region
Feb. 25: The United States strongly supports the signing of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework for the D.R.C. and the region, witnessed by three African regional bodies and the United Nations. More»
President Obama's Message to the People of Kenya
Feb. 5: In these videotaped remarks, President Obama delivers a clear message to the people of Kenya: The upcoming elections are a historic opportunity for Kenyans to stand together, as a nation, for peace and progress, and for the rule of law. Full Text»
U.S. Delegation Attends AU Summit
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Don Yamamoto led the U.S. delegation to the 20th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on January 27 and 28, 2013. He was accompanied by Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Princeton Lyman, and USAID Assistant Administrator for Africa Earl Gast. Full Text»
