Parties in Central African Republic Sign Cessation of Hostilities Agreement

Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso (C), Central African Republic President Catherine Samba Panza (L) and Chad’s Prime Minister Kalzeubet Pahimi Deubet (R) applaud after the signing of a cease-fire agreement during a forum gathering key players in the Central African conflict, on July 23, 2014, in Brazzaville, to end more than a year of sectarian bloodshed in the direly poor nation. PHOTO: AFP

Press Statement
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 24, 2014

The United States welcomes the decision by all parties to end the violence in the Central African Republic.

On July 23, the parties signed a “Cessation of Hostilities Agreement” to stop the violence in the country. This cessation of hostilities agreement represents an important step toward stopping the bloodshed in the Central African Republic and preparing the way for a peaceful and democratic political transition. The agreement was signed in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, by representatives of the ex-Seleka and anti-Balaka armed groups, as well as by representatives from the Central African Republic’s National Transitional Council, political parties, civil society, and religious communities.

We strongly urge all parties to fully implement the terms of the agreement and to move quickly to hold and conclude further talks, to be held in the Central African Republic, on a political way forward.

We call on all parties to take substantive steps toward bringing peace, stability, and justice to the people of the Central African Republic.

We fully support further inclusive, broad-based dialogue within the Central African Republic to ensure that all of the Central African Republic’s people have the opportunity to make their voices heard.

The United States thanks Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso for his constructive role in hosting and leading the Brazzaville talks as mediator for the Central African Republic peace process.

Tunisian Govt. Issues $500 Million Bond With U.S. Guarantee

Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
July 24, 2014

Today, the Republic of Tunisia closed on its offering of a $500 million sovereign bond issuance guaranteed by the United States of America, acting through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

As President Obama noted during the April 2014 visit of Tunisian Prime Minister Joma’a to Washington, this loan guarantee is only one part of our assistance, which aims to help the Government of Tunisia “meet some of its reform goals and lay the foundation for great success in the future.” This guarantee reinforces our firm commitment to the people of Tunisia by strengthening its government’s ability to maintain access to international financing and to achieve its economic development and reform goals.

Today’s issuance of a $500 million, seven-year Tunisian sovereign bond was supported by a 100 percent guarantee of the repayment of principal and interest by the U.S. Government. The $500 million issuance was priced at a coupon rate of 2.452 percent.

Said Djinnit Appointed UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa

Photo: www.brt-africa.com
Press Statement
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 21, 2014

The Secretary welcomes the appointment of Said Djinnit of Algeria as the new UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa. Mr. Djinnit brings with him a long history of diplomatic engagement in Africa, having previously served as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa as well as the Commissioner for Peace and Security at the African Union. Mr. Djinnit’s leadership comes at a critical time in the implementation of the Framework Agreement and the United States will continue to work closely with regional leaders and the United Nations in a shared, sustained commitment to the Great Lakes region.

Nadine Gordimer, South African Author, Dies At 90

South African Nobel Prize-winning author Nadine Gordimer has died in Johannesburg aged 90.

Nadine Gordimer, one of the literary world’s most powerful voices against apartheid, died at her home after a short illness. Nadine wrote more than 30 books, including the novels My Son’s Story, Burger’s Daughter and July’s People. She jointly won 1974′s Booker Prize for The Conservationist and was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1991.

Her works comprised both novels and short stories where the consequences of apartheid, exile and alienation were the major themes.

The World’s Biggest Contemporary African Art Museum

Cape Town South Africa

The world’s largest museum devoted to contemporary art from Africa is under construction in Cape Town. The $50 million Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa will be housed in a disused, colonial-era industrial structure consisting of 42 towering, nine-story-tall grain silos on the waterfront in Cape Town.

“It has been my life dream to build a contemporary art museum in Africa,” Mark Coetzee, the former director of Miami’s Rubell Family Collection and executive director and chief curator of Zeitz MOCAA, told the AFP. “When I left Cape Town 25 years ago I vowed to return only when I had the skills and the relationships to make this happen…”

I think you can say that when it is complete it will be the biggest museum in Africa and the world focusing on contemporary art practice in and from Africa.”

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President Obama Issues Statement on Nelson Mandela International Day

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
July 18, 2014

Today I join people around the world in celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day. A personal hero of mine and of countless others, Nelson Mandela was one of the most influential, courageous, and profoundly decent human beings to grace the earth. A dignified warrior for justice and equality, he caused us to believe in the promise of a better world. Today – Madiba’s birthday – is the first time we have marked this occasion since he left this world late last year, but his impact on our lives remains palpable and his inspiration endures. A humble and committed public servant, Madiba said this day was not to be a holiday, but one devoted to service. It was his hope that people would dedicate their time and effort to improve the conditions within their community, stating there “can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.” We may never see the likes of Madiba again, but we can honor and emulate him by taking time today, and all other days, to engage in acts of service.
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