State of Emergency and Fighting in Northern Nigeria

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.

The United States condemns Boko Haram’s campaign of terror in the strongest terms. We urge Nigeria’s security forces to apply disciplined use of force in all operations, protect civilians in any security response, and respect human rights and the rule of law.

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South Africa's Freedom Day

Ambassador Rasool and other distinguished guests.  Thank you so much for inviting me to participate in this year’s Freedom Day celebration. On behalf of President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, and the American people, I congratulate all South Africans on the 19th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections.

Nineteen years ago today, the final death knell of racial authoritarianism sounded in South Africa as power passed to a new, diverse generation of parliamentarians, who began their work by inaugurating Nelson Mandela as the first black president of South Africa. A few hours later, Mandela stood on a balcony at Cape Town City Hall and gazed out at Table Bay, with Robben Island on the horizon, where he spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. Addressing the vast crowd below, Madiba declared a message of inclusion, saying: “We place our vision of a new constitutional order for South Africa on the table not as conquerors, prescribing to the conquered. We speak as fellow citizens to heal the wounds of the past with the intent of constructing a new order based on justice for all.”

Those words marked the final death of a political system based on race, and the birth of a new constitutional order in South Africa that has inspired billions across Africa and the globe. 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.

Your brave stand against oppression reminds Americans of our own efforts to overcome discrimination and injustice. Your remarkable democratic Constitution reminds us of our own Constitution and Bill of Rights. Both of our nations have given hope to people around the world who value freedom. I am proud to be here tonight to celebrate this important occasion.

Our common ideals are the framework of our diplomatic relationship. The United States of America is committed to working with South Africa as a partner and friend to build peace, democracy, and prosperity in Africa. The African continent is clearly on the move, as democracy and economic growth promise to transform Africa into a 21st century powerhouse.

As outlined by President Obama, the U.S. engagement with Africa is founded on four core pillars: support for strong democratic institutions; spurring economic growth, trade, and investment; advancing peace and security; and promoting opportunity and development. The United States views South Africa as a critical partner in all of these areas.

From peacekeeping to climate change, South Africa brings unique value and perspective to regional and global initiatives. Your country’s contributions to peace- and nationbuilding in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, and other nations exemplify South Africa’s commitment to stability and development on the African continent. We deeply appreciate your leadership in the region.

Over the past decade, our relationship has deepened and matured, with collaboration growing significantly in the last several years. Our Strategic Dialogue, inaugurated by former Secretary Clinton and Minister Mashabane in 2010, has reinforced cooperation on an entire range of important issues, including health, trade and investment, law enforcement, climate change, energy, and nuclear nonproliferation.

Officials from the United States and South Africa meet regularly throughout the year to collaborate on issues and exchange ideas. At our Annual Bilateral Forum in Pretoria, in March, we discussed issues related to health, education, and the environment. Undersecretary of State Robert Hormats is in Cape Town this week attending the World Economic Forum, and I anticipate additional senior-level visits to South Africa later this year.

The United States remains a dedicated partner with South Africa in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2012, we contributed more than $500 million to South Africa through PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, and we have provided over $6 billion over the past decade. Working together, the United States and South Africa have provided treatment to millions of men, women, and children. Millions more have received HIV counseling and testing.

I commend President Zuma and the Government of South Africa for establishing effective provincial and national HIV/AIDS control programs, fighting the health crisis with renewed effort, and speaking frankly to the South African people about the disease.

Even as we stand by your side in the fight against HIV/AIDS, our partnership is evolving. By 2017, South Africa will become the first country in Africa to fully manage its PEPFAR program, while the United States will continue to provide substantial funding and technical support. Ultimately, our combined efforts are helping to eradicate disease and save lives.

Our two countries also share a commitment to sustainable economic development. South Africa is one of the most important emerging economies in the world, a member of the G-20 and BRICS coalition, and a leading U.S. trade partner. More than 600 American companies have operations in South Africa, employing thousands of South African citizens. Your country’s modern, efficient economy serves as a launching pad to the rest of Africa, helping to expand prosperity throughout the continent.

As a longtime supporter of nonproliferation and disarmament efforts, South Africa brings valuable experience to the global effort to buttress the nuclear nonproliferation regime; we value your contribution and look forward to continuing our important cooperation in this area.

These are just a few examples to illustrate the strength of our bilateral relationship and the valuable role South Africa plays in regional and global affairs. While we may not agree on every issue, the United States is committed to a partnership with South Africa to meet our shared goals. South Africa’s robust democracy and leadership in regional and global affairs make it an important U.S. partner.

Congratulations again on the 19th anniversary of this momentous occasion. I offer the people of South Africa my very best wishes for the coming year.

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Global Trade Partners in the 21st Century

As Prepared

Thank you Lyal for the kind introduction.

I am delighted to be in South Africa again. I visited last fall with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

What was most striking then, and continues to be the case today, is the extent to which the image of Africa has changed. According to the IMF, growth in sub-Saharan Africa will surge to 6.1% next year, well ahead of the global average of 4%.

Africa is booming in nearly every sector, ranging from massive energy developments in Mozambique, Tanzania, Ghana, and other countries; to the growth of Rwanda and Kenya’s information and communications technology sectors; to South Africa’s thriving auto industry. And, though far from declaring victory, Africa is reaching a turning point in its hard-fought battles against poverty and corruption.

Today’s Africa looks nothing like what, in 2000, The Economist referred to as the “Hopeless Continent.” It is critical that we concentrate the world’s eyes on the new image of Africa, that of progress and promise. Perspectives are evolving—in 2011, The Economist referred to Africa as the “Rising Continent” and, last March, as the “Hopeful Continent.”

Trade is at the heart of Africa’s economic resurgence. So, in this context, I will speak first about America’s vision for global trade in the 21st century and then, focus on implications and, indeed, opportunities for Africa. America’s global trade agenda in the 21st century is shaped by a foundation laid, in large part, in the mid-20th century. After World War II, American and European policymakers worked together to build a set of international institutions that embodied democratic and free market principles.

The GATT—which led to the WTO—World Bank, IMF, and the OECD were designed to foster international economic cooperation. These institutions were vital to the economic prosperity of the United States, and to the success of America’s foreign policy and national security for the next three generations.

As we move into the 21st century, a new multi-polar global economy has surfaced. The emergence of a new group of economic powerhouses—Brazil, Russia, India, and China, of course, but also countries in Africa—has created momentum (if not necessity) for greater inclusiveness in the global trading system.

At the same time, these new players must assume responsibilities for the international economic system commensurate with the increasing benefits they derive from the global economy. In addition to the geography of international trade, the nature of trade and investment has evolved to include previously unimaginable issues such as e-commerce and sustainability.

So, part of our vision for trade in the 21st century is to build a system that is more inclusive, recognizes the new realities of economic interdependence, and matches increased participation in the global trading system with increased responsibility for the global trading system.

We are making progress with bringing new players into the global trading system as equal partners. Free Trade Agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama entered into force last year.

And, we are continuing negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership—or TPP as it is more widely known. With Japan’s anticipated entry into the negotiations, TPP will grow to include 12 countries of different size, background, and levels of development. The agreement, when finalized, will encompass nearly 40% of global GDP and one-third of global trade.

In addition to TPP, we are embarking on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union. TTIP—as it is being called—will strengthen economic ties between the United States and Europe, and enhance our ability to build stronger relationships with emerging economies in Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world.

TPP and TTIP are truly historic undertakings. Our objective is not only to strengthen economic ties with the Asia-Pacific and Europe, but also to pioneer approaches to trade and investment issues that have grown in importance in recent years.

These agreements will seek to break new ground by addressing a multitude of heretofore unaddressed non-tariff barriers, setting the stage for convergence on key standards and regulations, and establishing high quality norms and practices that can spread to other markets. TPP, for example, will raise standards on investment and electronic commerce, and afford protections for labor and the environment.

Our agenda also includes strengthening the multilateral trading system through the World Trade Organization. For example, the United States would like to see a multilateral Trade Facilitation Agreement, which would commit WTO Members to expedite the movement, release, and clearance of goods, and improve cooperation on customs matters. A Trade Facilitation Agreement would be a win-win for all parties—Africa especially.

Cross-border trade in Africa is hindered by what the World Bank calls “Thick Borders.” According to the latest Doing Business Report, it takes up to 35 days to clear exports and 44 days to clear imports in Africa. Clearing goods in OECD countries, in contrast, takes only 10 days on average and costs nearly half as much. Countries like Ghana and Rwanda have benefited tremendously from the introduction of trade facilitation tools and policies.

Ghana, for instance, introduced reforms in 2003 that decreased the cost and time of trading across borders by 60%, and increased customs revenue by 50%. A multilateral Trade Facilitation Agreement will create a glide path for increased trade with and within Africa.

Our views for 21st century global trade partnerships go beyond Europe and the Asia-Pacific, and efforts at the WTO. We are committed to supporting Africa’s integration into the global trading system. The cornerstone of our trade relationship with sub-Saharan Africa is the African Growth and Opportunity Act—known as AGOA. Of all of our trade preference programs, AGOA provides the most liberal trade access to the U.S. market.

Exports from Africa to the United States under the AGOA have grown to $34.9 billion in 2012. While oil and gas still represent a large portion of Africa’s exports, it is important to recognize that non-petroleum exports under AGOA have tripled to nearly $5 billion since 2001, when AGOA went into effect. And, compared to a decade ago, more than twice the number of eligible countries are exporting non-petroleum goods under AGOA.

South Africa, in particular, has made great strides in diversifying its exports to the United States. Thanks to AGOA, the United States is now South Africa’s main export market for passenger cars, representing more than 50% of exported value in 2012. Because AGOA is such an important mechanism for African countries to gain access to the U.S. market, the Administration is committed to working with Congress on an early, seamless renewal of AGOA. Our trade relationship with Africa goes beyond AGOA. For instance, AGOA represents only one-quarter of South African exports to the United States. The composition of South Africa’s exports to the United States, moreover, reflects complex interdependencies and industrial goods.

And, our trade relationship with Africa is not just about one-way trade. There is an immense opportunity for U.S. companies to do business on the continent.

We recently launched the “Doing Business in Africa Campaign” to help American businesses identify and seize upon trade and investment opportunities in Africa. The campaign was announced in Johannesburg, in part, because South Africa can play a prominent role in directing U.S. investment into other parts of the continent.

Although progress has been made on diversifying exports beyond energy, there is much more to be done. African ingenuity and entrepreneurship must be unleashed to drive innovation and growth throughout the continent. This requires closer integration to share ideas, transfer knowledge, and partner on solutions. Through AGOA and the “Doing Business in Africa Campaign”, we are promoting a business climate in Africa that enables and encourages trade and investment. However, realizing these goals is goes beyond trade preferences and commercial linkages.

Africa is also featured in America’s vision for global trade in the 21st century.

For example, we recently launched the U.S.-East African Community Trade and Investment Partnership—the first of its kind—to expand two-way trade and investment. The Partnership is designed to build confidence among the private sector by building a more open and predictable business climate in East Africa. We are considering a variety of mechanisms to accomplish this, including a regional investment treaty and trade facilitation agreement. The Partnership highlights our desire to help Africa integrate and compete in today’s global economy.

I will conclude with one final point. I began by saying that trade is at the heart of Africa’s economic resurgence. Trade is also at the heart of America’s economic recovery. We have a common interest and a common goal.

When it comes to enhanced trade, what is good for Africa is good for America. And what is good for America is good for Africa.

Thank you.

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U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue Closing Remarks

I also as you did want to recognize the hard work of the U.S. Institute of Peace staff, of course its leader Congressman Jim Marshall, our Liberian colleagues, and my U.S. Government colleagues, including those in the State Department’s Africa Bureau, in making the inaugural session such a success.

Throughout today, as I understand from talking briefly to the Minister and with our staff, we have advanced the U.S.-Liberia bilateral relationship -- a relationship already deeply rooted not only in our historical ties, but our shared commitment to democracy, human rights, and economic advancement.

This joint statement that Minister Ngafuan and I just signed affirms our commitment to work together to address the challenges Liberia currently faces in its agriculture and energy sectors, and acknowledges their importance to Liberia’s overall economic development.

We have committed to hold the next session of the U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue in Monrovia, Liberia within the next year. At that session we plan to convene the first meeting of the Human Development Working Group.

The high-level participation from both our governments demonstrates the significance of the U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue to our bilateral relationship, and the importance of the sectors that were discussed today in the working groups.

In the Agriculture and Food Security Working Group, for example, colleagues discussed policy and institutional constraints to private sector-led development of Liberia’s agriculture sector, and ways to address these constraints. Together, we explored opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation to increase food security and nutrition, especially under the Feed the Future Initiative.

The Energy and Power Infrastructure Working Group reviewed Liberia’s efforts to meet its growing power generation, transmission and distribution requirements. We will continue to collaborate on how we can encourage private sector investment in Liberia’s energy sector by improving regulatory policies and to accelerate the development of a well-governed and inclusive Liberian energy sector.

Though the official government-to-government portion of the U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue has come to an end, I am delighted that the Foreign Minister and the rest of the Liberian delegation will participate in a public outreach event that will discuss how the Government of Liberia and its partners plan to transform Liberia into a middle-income country through an inclusive and equitable economic development strategy. This event, open to the press and public, will further highlight the achievement made today and will allow private sector, civil society, Diaspora, and others to engage with the Government of Liberia on its plan for Liberia’s economic future. We all have a role to play in Liberia’s progress toward a growing and sustainable economy. It is clear to me that this is led by the Liberians themselves, which is as it should be, with all the rest of us in support of your vision and your destiny.

Liberia’s future is full of promise and great opportunities. Thank you all for a very successful inaugural session of the U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue and for your friendship with the United States.

We look forward very much, I in particular, to meeting again in Monrovia. I commend to you Acting Assistant Secretary Yamamoto, who is going to take my place in any question and answer that follow. I greatly appreciate all the work done today.

Thank you very much.

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Intervention at the London II Conference on Somalia

Good morning. I want to thank Prime Minister Cameron and President Hassan Sheikh for hosting today’s conference on Somalia.

When we last met at Lancaster House, the fate of Somalia’s transition was very much in doubt. But thanks to the courageous efforts of the Somali people and the sustained and unified support of AMISOM, its partners and the broader international community, we return to London today at the beginning of a new and more hopeful era for Somalia.

The initial transition has come to an end, a newly elected government is firmly in place, and dialogue about the future of Somalia is underway. In January, for the first time in over two decades, the United States announced its formal recognition of the Government of Somalia and we continue to deepen our ties and partnership with President Hassan Sheikh and his government.

But while we work together to build up Somalia, al-Shabaab continues to try to tear it apart. When the world tried to partner and address Somalia’s devastating famine in 2011, al-Shabaab senselessly denied access to relief workers and food assistance, leading to the gratuitous death of tens of thousands of Somali men, women, and children in areas it controlled. And the heinous attack on the Benadir Court Complex in Mogadishu earlier this month serves as a reminder of the brutality of Al Shabaab, the gravity of obstacles in our way, and the importance of our unwavering commitment to the stabilization and development of Somalia.

Political dialogue and stabilization are essential to improving security in Somalia over the long-term. We commend President Hassan Sheikh’s recent visit to Puntland and Prime Minister Saaid’s nationwide listening tour and outreach to local and regional leaders throughout the country.

Overcoming grievances hardened over decades of conflict will take time. So to allow political reconciliation to stay on track in the midst of active efforts by spoilers to derail it, the international community must increase its support to Somalia’s security sector reform.

Let me highlight three areas of security sector reform that we believe deserve greater attention over the next year.

First, we commend the Government of Somalia for releasing its comprehensive National Security Plan. It is now incumbent upon Somalia’s international partners to support this Somali-led process, improve coordination on military and police assistance, and reduce duplication of effort. And, to ensure the long-term sustainability, effectiveness, and accountability of its military forces, the Government of Somalia must gradually assume greater responsibility for troop salary payment, in line with rising revenues.

Our successful efforts to combat piracy in the Horn of Africa show that hard work and effective collaboration can yield results. Thanks to our shared efforts, we saw a 75 percent decline in overall pirate attacks in 2012 compared with 2011, and a 90 percent reduction in hostage taking.

Second, security sector reform must include the development of an independent, credible, and transparent justice sector. The Government of Somalia rightly recognizes this as a priority and so should its international partners.

Third, we fully support Somali government efforts to demobilize, disarm, and reintegrate those who reject al-Shabaab. We look forward to joining the United Nations and the Government of Japan in supporting the Disengaged Fighter Program, and we urge other partners to do the same.

As we accelerate our security sector reform efforts, we cannot lose sight of the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening accountability and civilian control, and building respect for human rights and humanitarian law. These are all essential prerequisites for legitimate and effective security institutions that have the trust and confidence of the Somali people.

Ultimately, it is up to the people of Somalia to ensure that reform succeeds. But we all have a responsibility to support their efforts. And so I am pleased to announce today that, pending Congressional notification and consultation, the United States will provide nearly $40 million in additional funding to support development, stabilization, and security sector efforts necessary to consolidate Somalia’s impressive security gains.

While Somalia remains a fragile state, the courage of its people and leadership remains strong. So long as it does, and so long as Somalia’s friends and partners maintain their focus and support, we can be confident about Somalia’s future.

Thank you.

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The Inaugural U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue May 7

Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman will host the inaugural session of the U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue, Tuesday, May 7. She will be 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.

The event will be held at the United States Institute for Peace, 2301 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington. The Opening Event, Joint Statement Signing Ceremony and Public Event are open to credentialed members of the media. Pre-registration is requested by May 6. Details as follows:

9:00-9:30am. Opening Event: Speakers include Under Secretary Wendy Sherman, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agustine Ngafuan and USIP President, Jim Marshall. Open for print press. Register with Hollyn Green Greenhj@state.gov.

2:45-3:15pm. Joint Statement Signing Ceremony: Speakers include Acting Assistant Secretary Don Yamamoto and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agustine Ngafuan. There will be opportunity for press Q & A from 3:00-3:15pm. Open for press. Register with Hollyn Green Greenhj@state.gov. Camera pre-set time 2:00pm.

4:00-5:30pm. Public Event: “Partnering for a Shared Vision of Liberia’s Economic Future”. Speakers include Minister of Foreign Affairs Agustine Ngafuan; Minister of Finance Amara Konneh; Minister of Agriculture Florence Chenoweth; Minister of Commerce and Industry, Axel Addy; Bridge Institute President Vivian Derryck and Deputy Assistant Secretary of African Affairs Cynthia Akuetteh. There will be opportunity for Q & A from the audience and via social media. Open for press. Register at http://liberiaseconomicfuture.eventbrite.com/. Camera arrival time 3:30.

Journalists with equipment should arrive at the vendor entrance off 23^rd street. Other media arrive at Main Entrance on 23^rd street. Parking is not available at USIP. The Opening Remarks and Public Event will be available at www.usip.org/webcast.

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Under Secretary Hormats Travels to South Africa

Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Robert D. Hormats is traveling in South Africa, May 6-10, 2013, to meet with government officials, civil society, advocate for U.S. businesses and investors, and to highlight Africa’s impressive economic results over the past decade.

In Johannesburg and Pretoria, Under Secretary Hormats will address the Gordon Institute of Business Science on “Global Trade Partnerships in the 21st Century;” hold a roundtable on wildlife trafficking at University of Pretoria; meet with the American Chamber of Commerce, and conduct media interviews. On May 8, the Under Secretary will travel to Cape Town to meet with South African government officials and attend the World Economic Forum on Africa, where he will address several sessions.

Africa has the potential to be a major player on the global stage, given its vast energy resources and revolutions in information communication technology. Top business analysts, consulting firms, and think tanks worldwide are urging business investment on the continent. Some 600 U.S. firms have a presence in South Africa, including Ford, GM, Citibank, and IBM. U.S. firms often use South Africa as a platform for doing business in the rest of Africa. Many businesses understand the great potential in Africa and have positioned themselves to be part of the region’s growing economic dynamism.

For more information about the trip, please contact John Hillmeyer +27 (12) 431-4217 or HillmeyerJJ@state.gov.

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