AMIP News & The Africa Society Launch Book on US-Africa Engagement

Photo: George Bright Abu, Afrikan Post

(L-R) Beryl Nnoma-Addison (Editor / VP, AMIP News), Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfiield (Asst. Sec. for Africa, State Dept.), Patricia Baine (President, The Africa Society), Frederick Nnoma-Addison (Author & Compiler/ CEO, AMIP News)

Story: AMIP News

Washington, DC 

Friday, January 13, 2017

AMIP News and The Africa Society launched The United States and Africa Relations: The Obama Presidency, a comprehensive and creative compilation, and review of US-Africa engagement, with a focus on the outgoing Obama Administration. US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield launched the commemorative book after her keynote address. Several members of the African Diplomatic Corps attended the event held at the Embassy of Ethiopia on International Drive, Northwest Washington.

The 300-plus-page book is based on the 4 Pillars of the Obama Administration’s strategy toward engagement with sub-Saharan Africa that was issued in June 2012. They are, Strengthen Democratic Institutions; Spur Economic Growth, Trade and Investment; Advance Peace and Security; and Promote Opportunity and Development.

Using both human and national interest stories, it highlights key US-Africa initiatives and partnerships, includes important presidential and governmental statements, speeches, White House Fact Sheets, historic photographs, and follows the trajectory of bilateral and multilateral relations wherever it leads. The book is an exceptional addition to international relations literature and will preserve history and promote future relations.

The book was authored and compiled by Frederick Nnoma-Addison and edited by Beryl Nnoma-Addison, both of AMIP News. AMIP News is the publisher of other volumes that detail US relations with individual African countries; The United States & Ghana -2010, The United States & Nigeria – 2010, The United States & Ghana, Vol. II – 2012.

United States & Africa Relations: The Obama Presidency is a joint production of AMIP News and The Africa Society. It is readily available for purchase here.

US Urges Momentum in Somalia’s Electoral Process

Press Statement
John Kirby
Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs
Department of State
Washington, DC
January 4, 2017

The United States welcomes the inauguration of Somalia’s new Federal Parliament and congratulates the people of Somalia on yet another step toward political stability. Parliament must now prioritize transparency and timeliness in the election of Speakers for both houses and the subsequent election of the Federal President to ensure credibility and momentum in Somalia’s state building agenda.

However, the United States expresses grave concern over alleged reports of intimidation and malpractice in the electoral process thus far. We call on the National Leadership Forum to respect the efforts of the electoral bodies to uphold transparent and integral practices as the remaining seats in Parliament are filled, ensuring seats reserved for women are actually filled by women.

We also offer our condolences to those who were affected by al-Shabaab’s ruthless attacks against the Somali people. We condemn the recent bombings in Mogadishu targeting our partners supporting the electoral process. The United States maintains firm support for the African Union Mission in Somalia and the Somali security forces as they work to provide a secure environment for the electoral process.

Secretary Kerry Issues Statement on Sudan’s National Day

Department of State
Washington, DC
January 1, 2017

On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Sudan on 61 years of independence and send our best wishes for the year ahead.

I share your hopes for a Sudan at peace with itself and its neighbors. It is my fervent wish that the coming year brings sustainable peace, reconciliation, and development to Sudan.