Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Sherman Visits Africa

Washington, DC
March 2, 2012

Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman will visit Nigeria, Angola, Malawi, Zambia, and Kenya from March 3-11. The Under Secretary will hold discussions with national leaders to exchange views, underscore U.S. interests, and strengthen collaborative efforts that promote good governance, economic growth, regional security, social development, and human rights. The visit will highlight the long-term U.S. commitment to Africa and strengthen our strategic partnerships with Nigeria and Angola.

During Under Secretary Sherman’s visit to Nigeria, she will discuss political, security, and economic issues with senior government officials and civil society leaders. In Angola, the Under Secretary will meet with senior officials and civil society, youth, and opposition parties. In Zambia, Under Secretary Sherman will be the highest ranking U.S. official to visit newly-elected President Sata after Zambia’s peaceful democratic transition in September 2011. She will meet with senior government officials, civil society leaders, and journalists to discuss issues including reform, the economy, and elections. The visit to Malawi will allow Under Secretary Sherman to review the progress of U.S. development assistance efforts and the Government of Malawi’s programs addressing the country’s multiple economic and social challenges. She will also encourage Malawian leaders to strengthen good governance practices and human rights for all citizens.

The visit will conclude in Kenya where the Under Secretary will stress U.S. interest in peaceful and transparent elections as well as the continued implementation of the new constitution. The Under Secretary will express support for broad-based reforms advocated by Kenya that build investor confidence, social development, and prosperity. Importantly, the visit will demonstrate U.S. recognition of the challenges Kenya faces due to the conflict in Somalia. The timing of her visit comes shortly after an international conference on the conflict in Somalia. The Under Secretary will visit with Somali leaders and other stakeholders in Nairobi to reinforce the urgency for Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government to lay the foundation of good governance.