A Lifelong Struggle for Justice

Posted by Learned H. Dees / July 30, 2012

In this January 2010 photo, human rights activist Floribert Chebeya Bahizire speaks during a seminar in Kinshasa, Congo. [AP File Photo]

Two weeks ago, I attended a special screening of L'Affaire Chebeya, un Crime d'Etat, a moving documentary by Belgian filmmaker Thierry Michel. The documentary captures the lifelong struggle for justice of Floribert Chebeya, the most celebrated human rights activist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Chebeya, the film shows, was noted for his steely determination to fight against the many human rights abuses in his country. The screening of the film which documents his life, death, and the trial of his murderers was hosted by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which also sponsored a discussion about human rights challenges in DRC. Ironically, neither of these events could have happened in DRC, where the film is currently banned.

In fact, earlier this month, the movie's director, Michel, was refused entry into DRC where he had… more »

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Honoring Nelson Mandela in South Africa

Posted by Laura Santini / July 19, 2012

Staff from the U.S. Mission in Pretoria and the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg consulate pose for a photo with local students after engaging in community service in honor of Nelson Mandela Day in Soweto, South Africa, on July 18, 2012. [U.S. Mission in Pretoria, South Africa photo/ Public Domain]

For the U.S. Mission to South Africa, Mandela Day began at 8:00 a.m. on the chancery lawn with a resounding chorus of Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela, who turned 94 on Wednesday.

Like no other world leader alive today, the former South African president and anti-apartheid icon is revered and adored by his fellow citizens, and the anniversary of his birth date inspires countless tributes at home and from abroad.

"By any measure, Nelson Mandela has changed the arc of history, transforming his country, continent, and the world," said President and Michelle Obama in a statement of congratulations.

Hoping to set a record for the most people singing Happy Birthday in unison, several South African… more »

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Innovation Summit and Mentoring Partnership Inspires Young African Leaders

Posted by Brittany Young / July 02, 2012

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton poses for a photo with Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs Johnnie Carson and participants at the Innovation Summit and Mentoring Partnership with Young African Leaders at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. on June 13, 2012. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

"There's huge opportunity...in Africa," said Stephen Cashin, CEO of Pan-African Capital. The continent's intractable problems such as malaria and other public health crises, he said, do not need to be holding the continent back. because they can be addressed. The audience -- an eclectic group gathered at the Palomar in Washington, D.C. -- applauded in agreement. With participants from the Central African Republic, Kenya, and even the tiny island of Mauritius, the event brought together young entrepreneurs from across Africa to help promote growth on the continent.

Since mid-June, 62 young African business and social entrepreneurs have been networking and interacting with peers and mentors in the United States under the Innovation… more »

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Supporting Justice and the Rule of Law in Liberia

Posted by Victoria Holt and Annie Pforzheimer / April 11, 2012

United Nation's peacekeeping policewomen, from India, arrive at the airport in Monrovia, Liberia, Jan. 30, 2007. [AP File Photo]

About the Authors: Victoria Holt serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, and Annie Pforzheimer serves as Director for UN Peacekeeping in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs.

In countries recovering from war, it is normal to see UN blue helmeted military units -- they're big, obvious, and a reassuring presence.

But in Liberia, where President Johnson-Sirleaf was re-elected to a second term, that reassuring presence should be the uniform of a Liberian police officer -- with a blue helmet backing them up.

A long-term peace, I was reminded during my visit to Liberia in mid-March, doesn't come from soldiers, but… more »

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An Important Step Forward for Democracy in Africa

Posted by Lewis Lukens / March 26, 2012

A woman votes at a polling station in Senegal, March 25, 2012. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

When I arrived in Senegal last August, I knew that it would be an exciting year for this nation's democracy, but I don't think anybody could have predicted the path that Senegalese took to get to where they are today. Much of the population rose up in protest to attempted changes to the constitution last year on June 23 (a date now immortalized by a civil society movement called Movement 23, or M23).

Since last June, Senegal's democracy has seemed more fragile than ever before during its 52-year history. Yet today, Senegal has a new President-elect, Macky Sall, after current President Abdoulaye Wade graciously conceded defeat last night. Senegal's strong tradition of democracy and vibrant civil society shone through again.

On February 26, I had the honor and privilege of accompanying Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, as… more »

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Observing Elections in Senegal

Posted by Johnnie Carson / February 28, 2012

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson observes elections in Dakar, Senegal, February 26, 2012. [U.S. Embassy photo/ Public Domain]

Since its independence, Senegal has been one of America's strongest and most consistent friends in francophone West Africa. Our relationship has been based on a shared set of principles and ideals: democracy and respect for civil liberty and human rights.

On Saturday, February 25, I was pleased to come back to Senegal, where I had the pleasure of leading a delegation of more than 50 American observers who traveled throughout Senegal, visiting many of the more than 10,000 polling stations, to watch as Senegalese citizens exercised their democratic rights.

This was definitely an important election to observe. In Washington, I had followed developments in Senegal with interest; watching as this traditionally peaceful model of stability had begun to erupt with protests, eventually leading to more than 10 deaths. I knew that I had to come and do my part to ensure… more »

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