Book on US & Africa Relations Launched in Accra

 Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater (Rtd.) and Honorable Alan Kyerematen

Thursday, April 12, 2018 

ACCRA, GHANA, – Ghana’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Honorable Alan Kyerematen, today launched a commemorative book on US-Africa engagement under President Obama titled United States and Africa Relations: The Obama Presidency. The ceremony was held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.

The publishers – The Africa Society and AMIP News – first launched the book in Washington, D.C. in January 2017. It is a valuable resource that chronicles the Obama Administration’s historic engagement with Africa. Ghanaian-born Frederick and Beryl Nnoma-Addison head AMIP News in Washington, DC. Frederick is the author and compiler and Beryl is the editor-in-chief of the volume. Ambassador (Ret.) Pamela E. Bridgewater wrote the introduction for the book and is the editorial advisor while Ms. Patricia Baine of the Africa Society is the partnerships manager.
Commenting on the book and the Obama presidency, Honorable Kyerematen said, “I believe that the Obama Administration sent a strong signal to us in Africa that it is time for Africa to take its rightful place in the global landscape in terms of economic development.” Honorable Kyeremanten expressed concerns about continued deprivation on the continent, although according to him, “Africa possesses almost 60 percent of the world’s natural resources and a fifth of the world’s forest resource.” He was however optimistic that various initiatives being undertaken by some African leaders will propel the continent’s economic growth.

Kyerematen emphasized that Africans will, “continue to understand and believe in ourselves and work with the United States through initiatives such as the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, (AGOA). I believe that we can leverage our mutual benefits and resources for the collective interest of our people,” he added.

Present to support him were former U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and The Africa Society’s Board Chair and CEO, Ambassador Pamela E. Bridgewater; Mr. Joe Mensah, President of the American Chamber of Commerce (Ghana); and United States Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Ms. Melinda Tabler-Stone. The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa and friends, Mr. Pakwo Shum and Mr. Chris Edusei; AMIP News; and the American Chamber of Commerce – Ghana (Sponsor) hosted the event.

During her remarks, Ambassador Bridgewater stressed the importance of record keeping. “It is important for us as a people to talk about and record what we do. If we don’t keep an accurate report of what took place, those things will be lost,” she said. She disclosed Ghana was chosen for the Africa launch of the book due to the special relationship the two countries have.


About The Africa Society

The Africa Society, based in Washington, D.C. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. It has a long-standing and warm relationship with Ghana, including the production in 2005 of the documentary film Ghana: The Presidential Tour with Discovery Networks, part of The Presidential Tour Series. This Emmy-nominated series highlighted African countries through an in-depth informational, touristic journey. The Ghana documentary film featured then-president John Agyekum Kufuor. Pamela Bridgewater was the United States Ambassador to Ghana when Delta Airlines included Ghana: The Presidential Tour as an in-flight film option on its New York-Accra route.

Additionally, the Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC has been a valued partner and host of The Africa Society’s Ambassador Andrew Young Africa Lecture Series, featuring individuals who have contributed to enhancing U.S.-Africa relations. In August 2014, The Africa Society received the African Diaspora Bridge Builders award from Ambassador Dr. Erieka Bennett on behalf of the Accra-based Diaspora African Forum.

For 16 years, The Africa Society has actively and successfully fulfilled its mission to educate and advocate for Africa through education-based initiatives about the African continent and peoples. Upon assuming duties at The Africa Society in 2017, Ambassador Bridgewater and the Board decided to expand The Africa Society’s education mandate by chronicling programs and policies of U.S. presidential administrations and is pleased to partner with AMIP News on its first volume.

Former leaders of The Africa Society and special friends of Ghana include the late Leonard Robinson, Ambassador Andrew Young (first Board Chair), and Bernadette Paolo. The current president is Patricia Baine. Members of the Board of Directors are Ambassador Sue K. Brown, Mamadou Beye, Dr. Leroy Gross, former Ghanaian Ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Kwame Bawuah-Edusei, Malcolmn Pryor, Powell Holly, and Deirdre Powell White.

Teach Africa, The Africa Society’s flagship program, is an innovative Africa-education initiative. The program has presented Africa-education seminars and materials to more than 12,000 students throughout the U.S., as well as trained and oriented over 4,200 administrators and educators. The Teach Africa has reached over 100 million people globally.


About AMIP News

Africa Media-Image Project, Inc. (AMIP) is a U.S.-based, education-oriented, multi-media organization working to bridge the information gap between the United States and African countries. Through its subsidiaries AMIP News (www.amipnewsonline.org) and AMIP Productions, the organization covers and distributes news that is specific to U.S.-Africa relations. AMIP News is the only Washington, D.C.-based media outlet dedicated to U.S. and Africa Relations. It is also and the new publisher of Invest in Africa, an official biannual, premium magazine of the African Union Mission in Washington, DC.

The organization is also responsible for publishing the following commemorative books: The United States & Ghana (2010/2012) and The United States & Nigeria (2010). In 2009, AMIP News covered, produced, and broadcasted a documentary film on Ghana’s President John Kufuor’s state visit to the Bush White House. AMIP uses such innovative media products and publications to correct misinformation about Africa and address media stereotypes. The organization’s operations is overseen by an international board of educators, broadcasters, authors, and Africanists resident in the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Ghana.

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari to Visit the US

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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2018

Statement from the Press Secretary on the Visit of President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria

President Donald J. Trump will welcome President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria to the White House on April 30, 2018.  President Trump looks forward to discussing ways to enhance our strategic partnership and advance our shared priorities: promoting economic growth and reforms, fighting terrorism and other threats to peace and security, and building on Nigeria’s role as a democratic leader in the region.  The relationship of the United States with Nigeria is deep and strong, and Nigeria’s economic growth, security, and leadership in Africa will advance our mutual prosperity.

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Asst. Sec. Carl Risch Travels to Morocco, Nigeria, and Ethiopia

Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
April 13, 2018

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Carl Risch will travel to Morocco, Nigeria, and Ethiopia from April 15–21. While in Morocco and Ethiopia, Assistant Secretary Risch will meet with counterparts to discuss a range of consular issues including international legal obligations to accept the return of nationals who have been ordered removed and children’s issues.

The Assistant Secretary plans to review consular operations at our U.S. Consulates General in Casablanca and Lagos, and our U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa. He will also meet with interagency partners.

The United States is committed to long-term engagement with Morocco, Nigeria, and Ethiopia on a variety of consular issues, including efficient and equitable visa processing, protecting U.S. citizens overseas, working together on intercountry adoptions, and preventing and resolving international parent child abduction cases.

US Issues Statement on Military Aircraft Crash in Algeria

Heather Nauert
Department of State Spokesperson
Washington, DC
April 11, 2018

We were saddened to learn about the crash of an Algerian military aircraft this morning. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of today’s tragedy, as well as our partners and colleagues in the Algerian military. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Algerian people and government in this time of sorrow.

US Lifts Travel Restrictions for Chad

Heather Nauert
Department of State Spokesperson
Washington, DC
April 10, 2018

President Donald J. Trump announced today the lifting of travel restrictions for Chadian nationals following a period of review in which the Government of Chad improved their identity-management and information sharing practices.

On September 24, following an extensive review and engagement period with countries around the world, the President signed Proclamation 9645 that directed the Departments of State and Homeland Security to restrict the entry of certain nationals of countries identified as deficient in their identity-management and information sharing practices, subject to limited exceptions and waivers on a case-by-case basis, in order to protect the security and welfare of the United States. The September 24 Presidential Proclamation has been fully implemented since December 8, 2017.

Chad is a critical and vital partner to the U.S. counterterrorism mission. Chad has made significant strides and now meets the baseline criteria established in the Presidential Proclamation. For this reason, the travel restrictions placed on Chad are terminated effective April 13. Its citizens will again be able to receive visas for travel to the United States.

We welcome the improved practices by the Chadian authorities, which demonstrate a clear off ramp for countries placed on the travel restriction list. These improvements will improve security for the people of Chad and the United States.

The United States looks forward to further cooperation with Chad on security, good governance, health, and economic development.

US Issues Statement on Presidential Elections in Sierra Leone

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Heather Nauert
Department of State Spokesperson
Washington, DC
April 9, 2018

The United States congratulates the people of Sierra Leone on its peaceful presidential elections held on March 31. The election proves the strength and resilience of Sierra Leone’s democracy, and we look forward to working with President Julius Maada Bio to further strengthen our bilateral relationship.

We commend the National Electoral Commission for administering an orderly, well-managed process. We also recognize the important role Sierra Leone’s political parties and civil society organizations played in the elections. We welcome the statements by international and domestic observer missions affirming the credibility of the election. We would also like to recognize Presidential candidate Samura Kamara for his campaign and his gracious concession, and President Ernest Bai Koroma for his commitment to an orderly and timely political transition.

We look forward to advancing our longstanding mutual interests in economic development, trade, health care, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

US Issues Statement Commemorating 24th Anniversary of the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda

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John J. Sullivan
Acting Secretary of State
Washington, DC
April 7, 2018

We stand today with the people of Rwanda in commemorating the 1994 genocide during which more than 800,000 men, women, and children were brutally murdered. On this solemn occasion, we remember those who lost their lives and honor the courage of those who risked their lives to save others.

The United States values its strong partnership with Rwanda, and we are inspired by the remarkable progress that Rwanda has made in rebuilding since 1994. We are proud to support Rwanda as it continues to fight impunity for atrocities, lift millions of its people out of poverty, and build a peaceful and prosperous future for its citizens.

We also honor the contributions of Rwandans such as Godelieve Mukasarasi, recipient of the Department’s 2018 International Woman of Courage Award, who have dedicated their lives to fighting for a culture of peace and non-violence in Rwanda. We are inspired by their bravery and dedication to justice and reconciliation.

US Department of State Participates in Flintlock 2018

Photo: US Government

Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
April 6, 2018

The Department of State is pleased to once again participate in Flintlock, U.S. Africa Command’s (AFRICOM) annual and largest Special Operations Forces exercise. Flintlock exercises have taken place regularly since 2005 with partner nations from the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP) and are planned by African partner nation special operations forces; Special Operations Command, Africa (SOCAFRICA); and the U.S. Department of State. Approximately 1,900 service members from 20 African and Western partner nations will participate in Flintlock at multiple locations in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal from April 9-20, 2018.

The largest civilian component to Flintlock 2018 is the law enforcement training and equipment provided under the Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program. Through a partnership with the ATA program, this year’s exercise marks the most thorough integration of civilian equities into Flintlock yet. The law enforcement component will build upon the cross-border counterterrorism communication, coordination, and response at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels between military and civilian law enforcement to counter terrorist threats and attacks. In general, the law enforcement integration into Flintlock provides a series of training sessions focusing on tactical rural patrol and crisis response capabilities, counterterrorism investigations, command and communication management, post blast and crime scene investigations, community engagement, and human rights. The State Department will also integrate rule of law engagement and humanitarian border management training into components of the exercise.

The State Department is proud to be part of this exercise and values this opportunity for information sharing and integration of civilian law enforcement with the military to increase security sector and multinational interoperability and cooperation in the fight against terrorism and terrorist organizations.

Participating African nations include Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Senegal. Western partners include Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

For further information, contact the Bureau of African Affairs at AF-Press@state.gov.

South African Among 2018 Global Emerging Young Leaders

U.S. Department of State Honors Global Emerging Young Leaders
04/05/2018 06:32 PM EDT

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
April 5, 2018

In recognition of the positive role young people play in building sustainable peace, the U.S. Department of State is honoring outstanding young leaders from around the world. On Wednesday, May 2, the ten recipients of the third annual Emerging Young Leaders Award will be acknowledged in a public ceremony at the State Department for their efforts as partners for peace and drivers of economic growth and opportunity.

The 2018 awardees are:

Sara Abdullah Abdulrahman, Iraq
Diovio Alfath, Indonesia
Ece Çiftçi, Turkey
Tanzil Ferdous, Bangladesh
Zina Salim Hassan Hamu, Lithuania
Dania Hassan, Pakistan
Nancy Herz, Norway
Isasiphinkosi Mdingi, South Africa
José Rodríguez, Panama
Firuz Yogbekov, Tajikistan

These 10 remarkable young people will visit the United States for an intensive program, April 29 to May 12, specially designed to expand their leadership capacities, strengthen their knowledge of management strategies in the non-profit, government and private sectors, learn and share best practices, and broaden their networks of resources and support. The exchange program provides skills training to set awardees on paths for increased collaboration on global issues affecting youth, particularly those involved in building peace, combating extremism, and empowering youth.

Learn more about the award and exchange program at exchanges.state.gov/eyl.

The Emerging Young Leaders award ceremony will take place on May 2 at the U.S. Department of State, and will be open to credentialed members of the media. Interested media should contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at eca-press@state.gov. Follow the conversation online with #EYLeaders and @ECAatState.

 Isasiphinkosi Mdingi of South Africa, 23, is a passionate young activist and leader based in rural South Africa. She is a prominent activist against sexual assault, gender-based violence, and other issues impacting young women. She is a key influencer among young adults on social media and has been retweeted by UN organizations and multiple media outlets. During her time as a student, Isa helped to draft a memorandum on how to abolish “rape culture” and sexual assault on campus. She delivered the document to the university’s dean and led a dialogue with university administration and the provincial Minister of Social Development, pushing for the creation of a formal policy to address sexual assault and domestic violence on campus.

Dep. Sec. Sullivan Issues Statement on Republic of Senegal’s National Day

Deputy Secretary of State
Washington, DC
April 3, 2018

On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I congratulate the people of Senegal as you celebrate the 58th anniversary of independence on April 4, 2018.

The United States values the ties that bind the American and Senegalese people. I commend Senegal’s economic growth and leadership in the region, including its contribution to UN peacekeeping missions. Our close coordination underscores our shared values of working toward a more secure and prosperous future for both of our countries.

As you celebrate the anniversary of your independence, please know that the people of the United States celebrate with you.

Acting Secretary Sullivan Meets Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita

Photo: State Department

Readout
Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
April 3, 2018

The statement below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:

Acting Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met today with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Nasser Bourita. Acting Secretary Sullivan thanked Foreign Minister Bourita and the Moroccan people for their strong friendship and partnership with the U.S. on shared priorities, including in the global fight against ISIS.

The Acting Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed the deep U.S.-Morocco bilateral relationship and regional issues, including efforts towards achieving regional peace‎. The United States also expressed its commitment to United Nations-led efforts to find a peaceful, sustainable, and mutually acceptable political solution to the long-standing dispute over the Western Sahara.

Newest African Ambassadors Present Letters of Credence at White House

AMIP News
Washington, DC
April 12, 2018

On March 28, 2018, two new African Ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence to President Trump at an Ambassador Credentialing Ceremony in the Oval Office at the White House.
They are:

 

His Excellency Mamadou Haidara, Ambassador of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire

 His Excellency Eric Andriamihajamananirina Robson, Ambassador of the Republic of Madagascar

The presentation of credentials is a traditional ceremony that marks the formal beginning of an Ambassador’s service in Washington.

US Issues Statement on Egyptian Elections

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Heather Nauert
Department of State Spokesperson
Washington, DC
April 2, 2018

Following his re-election, we look forward to continuing to work with President Abdelfattah al-Sisi to advance our strategic partnership and address our common challenges, while encouraging respect for and protection of basic rights and freedoms. The United States values its strong partnership with Egypt and will continue to work to advance our shared objectives.

We have noted reports of constraints on freedoms of expression and association in the run-up to the elections. We will continue to encourage a broadening of opportunities for political participation for Egyptians, and emphasize the importance of the protection of human rights and the vital role of civil society in Egypt.

Two Africans Among 2018 International Women of Courage Award Recipients

Photo: State Department

Office of Global Women’s Issues
Department of State
Washington, DC

On March 23, Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs & Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert hosted the annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards at the U.S. Department of State to honor 10 extraordinary women from around the world. First Lady of the United States Melania Trump delivered special remarks at the ceremony.

Now in its 12th year, the Secretary of State’s IWOC Award recognizes women around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, often at great personal risk and sacrifice. Since the inception of this award in 2007, the State Department has recognized more than 120 women from more than 65 different countries. U.S. diplomatic missions overseas nominate one woman of courage from their respective host countries. The finalists are selected and approved by senior Department officials.

The bios of the 2018 awardees are located here and names listed below:

Roya Sadat of Afghanistan
Aura Elena Farfan of Guatemala
Dr. Julissa Villanueva of Honduras
Aliyah Khalaf Saleh of Iraq
Sister Maria Elena Berini of Italy (nominated by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See)
Aiman Umarova of Kazakhstan
Dr. Feride Rushiti of Kosovo
L’Malouma Said of Mauritania
Godelive Mukasarasi of Rwanda
Sirikan Charoensiri of Thailand

Following the official award ceremony and meetings in Washington, D.C., the IWOC honorees will travel individually to Austin, Cleveland, Dallas, Pensacola, Phoenix, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, or San Antonio on the International Visitor Leadership Program. American organizations and businesses will host the IWOC awardees and collaborate with them on strategies and ideas to empower women both in the United States and abroad. The awardees will reconvene in Los Angeles for a closing ceremony before returning to their home countries.
Use #WomenOfCourage for news and updates on this year’s award. For press inquiries, contact ECA-Press@state.gov.

L’Malouma Said was born into slavery in 1972 in the far south-eastern town of Boutilmitt in Mauritania. When she was seventeen years old, she was a leading activist at her school for the emancipation of Haratines. Before becoming one of only four Haratine women elected as deputy (Member of Parliament) to the Mauritanian National Assembly in 2006 and again in 2013, she was the president of a cooperative of women traders. She was also officer in charge of women within the El Hor movement (Movement for the liberation of Haratines in Mauritania) as well as a founding member of the Mauritanian anti-slavery organization S.O.S. Esclaves, currently led by her husband Boubacar Messaoud. Said is well known for speaking out on human rights issues and her powerful national and international advocacy for the improvement of prisons in Mauritania. She believes Mauritania’s prisoners suffer from a lack of social and educational opportunities, as well as poor safety and health conditions, leading to escape attempts and the spread of diseases among the prison population. Said has a long history of defending human rights and equality, as well as the fight against all forms of discrimination in Mauritania. She is a vocal leader on these issues within the Mauritanian Parliament. She has proven herself to be a courageous woman with a history of commitment, determination, and perseverance in defending human rights issues during her two terms in the parliament.

Godelieve Mukasarasi dedicated her life after the 1994 Rwandan Genocide to fighting for a culture of peace and non-violence in Rwanda, as well as promoting the rights of women and girls affected by sexual violence in conflict zones worldwide. Founder and Coordinator of the organization Solidarité pour l’Épanouissement des Veuves et des Orphelins visant le Travail et l’Auto promotion/Solidarity for the Development of Widows and Orphans to Promote Self-Sufficiency and Livelihoods (SEVOTA), Mukasarasi works with communities across Rwanda to reset human, social, and economic relations destroyed during the Genocide. In 1996, she was approached by the United Nations team putting together the case against former Mayor of Taba Jean-Paul Akayesu for his role in the Genocide. Overcoming intimidation by community members and the murder of her daughter and husband, likely for her decision to testify at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, she mobilized four members of SEVOTA to testify against Akayesu. Although rape has been considered an international war crime since 1919, it had never been prosecuted as a war crime until the conviction of Akayesu. These women’s actions, through Mukasarasi’s leadership, changed the world of criminal justice forever, giving women who were sexually assaulted in conflicts a voice and access to justice. Since 1994, SEVOTA has reached over 300 genocide rape victims and helped them to reintegrate socially and economically into their communities. They have organized more than 1,300 households to participate in micro-savings clubs and 2,000 youth and children in peace and development clubs. Mukasarasi is truly a woman of courage, and has been an important figure in the peace and reconciliation of Rwanda and the protection of women and children across the globe. Mukasarasi received the John Humphrey Freedom Award by Law & Democracy (2004); the Outstanding Achievement Award for Rural Women’s Creativity Award from the World Women’s Summit Foundation in Geneva (1996); and, SEVOTA was honored with the Award for Human Rights for its contribution to the promotion of the rights of vulnerable women by Human Right International (2011).