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Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee: It is an honor to appear before you today as the President's nominee for Ambassador to Niger. I am sincerely grateful to the President and the Secretary of State for the trust and confidence placed in me as evidenced by this nomination. Niger borders three countries of great importance to U.S. policy on the continent: Libya, Algeria, and Nigeria. It has some of the world's largest reserves of uranium and has been approached in the past by nations suspected of seeking to develop secret nuclear arsenals. The safety and well-being of hundreds of American citizens working as missionaries and development workers in Niger's remote reaches is directly linked to the nation's prospects for stability and progress. The support of peace and development in Niger is fundamentally important to the region and the United States. I believe that my broad experience in the Foreign Service, including service as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, Director for Latin American Affairs at the National Security Council, and Director of the Office of European Political and Security Affairs has prepared me to face these challenges and promote our national interests in Niger. As the 173rd of 174 nations in the UNDP's Index of Economic and Social Development, Niger is undeniably and desperately poor. Moreover, 4 months ago Niger's President Bare was brutally assassinated by members of his presidential guard. Bare himself came to power in a military coup which followed a period of paralyzing governmental gridlock. With few economic resources and little history in successful democratic governance, Niger faces a long and arduous road to "democratization." If confirmed, I will work to hold the transitional government accountable to its promised return to a democratically elected civilian government. Only a broad-based, inclusive, and representative government will have the mandate necessary to undertake meaningful structural reform and tackle the daunting problems that face Niger. With a new constitution, and presidential and legislative elections scheduled in the coming months, Niger has a narrow window of opportunity to embark on meaningful and lasting democratic reform. A spirit of tolerance and compromise will be required. The U.S. mission is well placed to promote and model democratic principles and accentuate the need for tireless respect for human rights. Niger must join the slow parade of democratic and economic progress now under way in much of Africa or be left utterly and desperately behind. I look forward, if confirmed, to working with Congress and our partners in the international community to press for this change and to support transition in Niger. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, for your consideration. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. [end of document] |
