Sec. Tillerson Issues Statement on Nigeria’s National Day

Department of State
Washington, DC
September 30, 2017

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian people as you celebrate your national independence on October 1.

The United States and Nigeria have a strong and enduring partnership that benefits both our nations. The U.S.-Nigeria partnership is built on our shared priorities of security, economic prosperity, and good governance; and is strengthened by innovation, trade, and optimism for the future. The United States reaffirms its commitment to support Nigeria in its fight to defeat Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, to support efforts to help rebuild the lives of the millions affected by the violence, and to provide a better future for all Nigerians.

We offer our best wishes to the people of Nigeria in your commemoration of the 57th anniversary of your independence.

Sec. Tillerson Issues Statement on Guinea Bissau’s National Day

Department of State
Washington, DC
September 24, 2017

On behalf of the government of the United States, congratulations to the people of Guinea-Bissau as you celebrate your national independence on September 24.

The United States and Guinea-Bissau have had a long and valued partnership. The United States will continue to work with your government to strengthen democratic institutions, bolster economic growth and development, and improve security and human rights in Guinea- Bissau.

We extend to the people of Guinea-Bissau wishes of future success and prosperity as you commemorate your National Day.

Sec. Tillerson Issues Statement on Mali’s National Day

Department of State
Washington, DC
September 22, 2017

On behalf of President Trump and the people of the United States of America, we send our best wishes to the people of Mali as you celebrate your Independence Day on September 22.

The United States values our partnership with Mali. We will continue to grow our longstanding relationship to counter terrorist threats, strengthen Mali’s security institutions, assist with inclusive development, and support the full implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali.

On the 57th anniversary of your independence, the United States supports all Malians as they work to build a country that is peaceful, prosperous, and united.

USAID Expands President’s Malaria Initiative in West and Central Africa

USAID Administrator Green Announces PMI Launch and Expansion in West and Central Africa

For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Office of Press Relations
Telephone: +1.202.712.4320 | Email: press@usaid.gov

Today, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green announced that the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), led by USAID and implemented together with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will launch new country programs in Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, and Sierra Leone, and expand its existing program in Burkina Faso.

With the addition of five new focus countries in West and Central Africa, PMI will have programs in 24 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria remains a significant public health problem.  This is in addition to PMI’s two bilateral programs and targeted support in the Greater Mekong Subregion in Asia, aimed at combating antimalarial drug resistance.PMI’s country expansion will benefit almost 90 million additional people at risk of malaria. The U.S. Government will now contribute to ensuring the availability of effective malaria prevention and control interventions to approximately 332 million people at risk across the west-to-central African corridor from Senegal to Cameroon.  While launching and expanding PMI, the U.S. Government remains committed to partnering with existing PMI focus countries to accelerate progress in malaria control and continue the momentum towards elimination.

Together with partner countries, under national malaria control program leadership, and in collaboration with malaria stakeholders, PMI scales up a comprehensive, integrated package of life-saving interventions in communities.  This includes both prevention (insecticide-treated mosquito nets, intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and indoor residual spraying) and treatment interventions (malaria diagnosis and treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies).  PMI support builds overall country capacity and strengthens health systems while improving malaria prevention and treatment services.  PMI support includes strengthening supply chain logistics, malaria case surveillance, and monitoring and evaluation of impact.

More than 480 million people at risk of malaria have benefitted from PMI programs.  In Fiscal Year 2016, PMI protected over 16 million people by spraying homes, distributed more than 42 million long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets, and provided 57 million treatments of life-saving drugs and 63 million rapid diagnostic tests.

Women from 3 African Countries Participate in 2017 Global Sports Mentoring Program

Press Releases: U.S. Department of State and espnW Join Forces for the Annual Global Sports Mentoring Program

09/21/2017 03:16 PM EDT

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
September 21, 2017

From September 25 to October 31, seventeen international delegates and American sports sector mentors will take part in the annual U.S. Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP). In its sixth year, this program supports the U.S. Department of State’s global efforts to advance the rights and participation of women and girls through sports.

Working side-by-side with these emerging female leaders, senior executives in the American sports sector open their respective organizations as host sites while sharing personal entrepreneurial and management insights. During the mentorship, emerging global leaders develop business plans to support “sport for social change” initiatives in their home countries. These strategies allow communities at home and around the world to experience the benefits that come from cross-cultural relations and participation in sports, thereby creating more resilient and stable societies. In turn, the American mentors are enriched by new perspectives and an expanded domestic and international network.

The GSMP class of 2017 hails from Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, China, France, India, Kosovo, Morocco, Nigeria, the Palestinian Territories, Peru, South Korea, Taiwan, Uganda, and Venezuela. This delegation will join the ranks of 82 global alumnae—Olympians, Paralympians, journalists, ministerial officials, civil society leaders, entrepreneurs, and sports administrators—from over 45 countries who are providing opportunities for thousands of individuals to become leaders on the field, in the boardroom, and in their schools and governments.

This year, U.S. mentors represent the following companies and organizations: America East, the Big East, Burton Snowboards, Eli Lilly & Company, ESPN, Fox Sports, Gatorade, Google, the NCAA, the National Hockey League (NHL), PGA of America, Saatchi & Saatchi LA, Under Armour, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, the University of Connecticut and the Women’s Sports Foundation. The GSMP is implemented in cooperation with the University of Tennessee’s Center for Sport, Peace, and Society.

Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #EmpowerWomen. For more information, please contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at ECA-Press@state.gov and ESPN’s Jane Bullock at Jane.Bullock@espn.com.

State of Maryland Salutes African Community at Inaugural “Celebrate Africa” Gala

Story Photos & Photo Album (Bottom) Courtesy Afrikan Post – George Bright Abu

Civic Center – Silver Spring, Maryland
Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Story by Frederick Nnoma-Addison

Maryland Lt. Governor, Boyd K. Rutherford (above), Secretary of State, John C. Wobensmith, and African Union Permanent Representative to the United States, H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, joined some three hundred Marylanders Wednesday night in Silver Spring to commemorate Maryland’s inaugural Celebrate Africa Gala and Awards Ceremony. The event was jointly organized by the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs (GCOAA) and the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI). The elegantly dressed guests included state and federal officials, and members of the African Diaspora, diplomatic, faith-based, and business communities.

In his remarks, Lt. Governor Rutherford congratulated the African Commission and the community for their contributions to the state of Maryland, and pledged the Hogan Administration’s continued support. Ambassador Chihombori-Quao called upon the African Diaspora community to continue to strengthen their bonds, so they share a common and powerful voice that cannot be overlooked. She provided an overview of the evolution of the African Union (AU), formerly Organization of African Unity (OAU), briefed the guests on current developments in Africa, and challenged the African Diaspora and friends of Africa in Maryland to “go back home” and contribute to the motherland.

In his written statement, Governor Larry Hogan stated:

“Maryland is enriched by the diversity of its residents, and we are committed to further promoting acceptance, understanding, and inclusion of our wealth of culture. According to the latest U.S. Census, there are over 120,000 Africa-born Americans living in Maryland, and the African immigrant communities are among the fastest growing in the state. The diverse cultures and traditions of all immigrant groups play a vital role in our state. The annual recognition of African Heritage in September is one way we can share and engage in Africa’s unique traditions, customs, food, music, arts, and language, as well as acknowledge the significant accomplishments and contributions that Africa brings to Maryland and our country.”

Governor Hogan also issued a proclamation recognizing African Heritage month, and calling upon all Maryland residents to recognize and observe the month-long celebration.

Celebrate Africa is Maryland’s inaugural Pan African celebration of Africa, Africans and peoples of African descent. The current 21-member African Affairs Commission, headed by Kehinde “Kenny” Oreagba, established Celebrate Africa as an annual event to recognize the economic, social, cultural, political and intellectual contributions of the vibrant African Diaspora community in the state.

The 2017 award winners and sponsors, by category, are:

Platinum

• Abuja Country Club
• Midas Express Shipping & Freight
• Discovery Learning Alliance

Gold

• Afrique Cuisine Inc.
• A Unity System
• Daimler Inc.
• FTK-Konnect
• Leeds Realty Group

Silver

• EMS-IT
• Children’s First LLC

Bronze

• Bostat Realty LLC
• Hebron House Inc.
• Magnum IT Solutions Inc.
• Nephrology Associates
• Zovaya

Friends

• Artistic Family Dentistry of Silver Spring
• BANA Tech Solutions
• Connaisseur Paris Men’s Boutique
• Ezekiel Olubode
• Finx Consulting LLC
• IO Spaces
• Hampton Conference Center
• Little Ethiopia
• Ma Winny Casey
• Providence Motors Inc.

Culture, Food & Entertainment

DJ Donn, Nteboblak of South Africa, Melanie Fonda (3^rd Princess, Miss Cameroon USA), Nereida Lobo (Miss Africa-USA), Lilycent Igbani and the Concept & Cultural Heritage Troupe, graced the occasion with their attendance, music or performance. Voice of America on-air talents, Ms. Linord Moudou and Mr. David Vandy hosted Celebrate Africa-2017, after a VOA News Africa 54 Interview on Tuesday September 19, with Mr. Vincent Makori. Afrique Cuisine Inc. (Chef Taba – Cameroon); Epicurean Nutrition Catering (Esther Marandure – Zimbabwe); Shiloh Restaurant and Catering (Toyosi Oriyomi – Nigeria); Sunu Halal Catering (Soffie Ceesay – The Gambia); and Ultimate Catering Services (Kehinde Oladimeji – Nigeria) catered delicious African cuisine for the event.

EVENT ALBUM

About the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs

The Governor’s Commission on African Affairs was established on May 19, 2009 by an executive order to effectively address the concerns of the African Diaspora in Maryland. It serves as an advisory board to the Governor and agencies within the Executive Department on matters relating to the Immigrant African population of Maryland, including matters relating to economic, workforce and business development.

Diversity continues to be one of Maryland’s greatest strengths. The governor, and government agencies, rely on the Commission to help expand opportunities for the growing African Diaspora population. Commissioners are appointed by the governor to serve 4-year terms. The current commission has four sub committees that reflect the emphasis of its work.

They are:

• Culture/ Religion Subcommittee
• Business Subcommittee
• Health / Outreach Subcommittee
• Education Subcommittee

About the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI)

The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives houses the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism and Volunteer Maryland, and oversees the Banneker-Douglass Museum, community affairs and engagement within the executive branch of Maryland government, faith-based outreach, and the governor’s ethnic and cultural commissions.

The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives oversees eight ethnic and cultural commissions, established to connect those ethnic communities to state resources, and to effectively address their social, business, education, and health needs. Each commission forms sub- committees to tackle those areas.

The Commissions are:

• Governor’s Commission on African Affairs
• Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs
• Governor’s Commission on Caribbean Affairs
• Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs
• Governor’s Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs
• Governor’s Commission on South Asian American Affairs
• Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture
• Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs

For partnership and sponsorship opportunities for Celebrate Africa – 2018, contact GOCI at 410-697-9260

President Al Sisi and Trump – Remarks Before Bilateral Meeting

Photo: Reuters

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 20, 2017

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AND PRESIDENT AL SISI OF EGYPT BEFORE BILATERAL MEETING

Lotte New York Plaza Hotel
New York, New York

4:35 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much.  It is a great honor to have with us today President Al Sisi of Egypt.  We have worked long and hard, and we are making a lot of progress on a lot of different fronts, and we appreciate everything that you’ve done.

PRESIDENT AL SISI:  Thank you very much.

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  And I know you appreciate everything that we’ve done.  (Laughter.)  But the relationship is very good, and thank you very much for your representatives.  The relationship really has been very, very good, and we look forward to continuing today and tomorrow.

PRESIDENT AL SISI:  Thank you very much.  (As interpreted.)  I thank you, Your Excellency, as well, for making the time to meet.  This is a very good chance that we are meeting once more, and I’d like to thank you and extend my appreciation for all the support you’re giving to Egypt.

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much.  Thank you very much, everybody.

Q    Mr. President, will you restart aid to Egypt?  Will you restart military aid to Egypt?

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  We’re going to certainly consider it.

Q    Mr. President, is Graham-Cassidy going to pass?

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I think it has a very good chance.  Obamacare is a disaster.  It’s failing badly.  You look at the rates.  You look at what’s happening with premiums for people.  They can’t afford Obamacare.  It’s been a catastrophic situation.

I believe that Graham-Cassidy really will do it the right way, and it is doing it the right way.  It has tremendous support from Republicans.  Certainly we’re at 47 or 48 already — senators — and a lot of others are looking at it very positively.

Mike Pence has been working on it — our Vice President — who has done such a great job on healthcare and knows healthcare so well — loves it.  I think he might want to even say a few words about it.

Mike.

VICE PRESIDENT PENCE:  President Trump made a commitment to the American people that we would repeal and replace Obamacare, and we’re grateful to Senator Graham, Senator Cassidy, and others that are coming together to keep the promise to the American people.

As the President has said many times, Obamacare is collapsing.  American families and American businesses are bearing the burden, and this President and our entire administration are absolutely committed to support Graham-Cassidy, move forward legislation that will give the American people a fresh start on healthcare reform, not with government mandates, but by repealing the mandates on businesses and individuals, and giving the resources to the states to create healthcare solutions that will work for each individual state.

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  For seven years, I’ve been hearing “repeal and replace Obamacare.”  For seven years, I’ve been hearing how bad Obamacare is, but really more in the last two to three years than anything.

But for seven years, I’ve been hearing “repeal and replace.”  We’ve been hearing how bad it is.  We’ve been looking at the premiums go up.  We’ve been looking at deductibles that have been through the roof.  You have states like Arizona where the premiums are going to be worse this year than last year, and last year they were at 100 percent increase, 116 percent.

I think there’s tremendous support for it.  I think it’s actually much better than the previous shot, which was very sadly let down.  But again, we’ve been hearing about repeal and replace for seven years.  They have a chance.

I thought that when I won, I would go to the Oval Office, sit down at my desk, and there would be a healthcare bill on my desk, to be honest.  And it hasn’t worked out that way.  And I think a lot of Republicans are embarrassed by it, but I have to tell you, I think they’re going to do a great job.  If this happens, it will be a great thing for the country.  Obamacare is a disaster.  It’s a wreck.  It’s a train wreck, and it’s only getting worse.

And I must be honest with you, whether it happens or not, something is going to happen, and it’s going to be positive because, frankly, Obamacare cannot make it.  It cannot make it.  We think this has a very good chance, but Obamacare is only getting worse.  It’s dysfunctional now.  It’s totally dysfunctional.  And at some point, the Senate is going to be forced to make a deal.  They’re just about at that point right now because Obamacare is so bad.

So I do think it has a very good chance of passage, and I certainly hope it passes, and they’ll be voting in the not-too-distant future. 

Thank you very much.  Thank you.

END                       4:40 P.M. EDT