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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»
The United States comprehensive, multi-year 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»
Assistant Secretary Carson (Sept. 14): "As people well know, instability, civil war, civil strife destroys the lives of people, undermines economic development, and robs countries and citizens of opportunity. And so the third pillar was to do as much as we could to continue our efforts to promote peace and stability." Full Text»
Assessing U.S. Policy on Peacekeeping Operations in Africa
Somalia Presidential Elections
Spokesperson Nuland (Sept. 11): "The United States congratulates Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, who was elected President of the Federal Republic of Somalia yesterday, and we look forward to working with him. This presidential election was the final step in the roadmap to end the transition which marks the end of the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia. It’s also a hopeful sign of a new era of Somali governance." Full Text» More»
PEPFAR Launches Labs For Life with Partners
July 26: Labs for Life, a new collaboration to help strengthen healthcare and laboratory systems in the developing world along with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Labs for Life will include Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Mozambique and also expand outside of Africa to India. Full Text»
State Department Encourages West African Entrepreneurs
July 10: The Department welcomed over 100 young West African technology entrepreneurs from eight nations to a Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Startup Boot Camp in Dakar, Senegal. The GIST initiative forges links at the individual and institutional levels among technology entrepreneurs, angel investors, and the marketplace to improve quality of life through economic prosperity. Full Text»
Concern About Government of Sudan's Response to Demand for Democracy
Spokesperson Nuland (July 10): "The United States remains deeply concerned with the harsh treatment peaceful protestors continue to face in Sudan. There are reports that tear gas, rubber bullets, baton beatings, arbitrary arrests, and even torture have been used against those protesting." Full Text»
First Independence Day
Secretary Clinton: "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of the Republic of South Sudan as you celebrate your first anniversary of independence this July 9." Full Text»
Innovation Summit and Mentoring Partnership with Young African Leaders
On June 29, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Bruce Wharton welcomed to Chicago, Illinois 62 young leaders from sub-Saharan Africa in a closing session of their three-week professional exchange in the United States. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with Meridian International Center, the Innovation Summit and Mentoring Partnership with Young African Leaders focused on capacity building for young business and social entrepreneurs. Full Text»