Department of State Press Releases - EIN Presswire - Press Release Distribution Service

Published on October 20, 2015 - 23:37 GMT

Africa: United States Welcomes the Appointment of President Mogae To Chair Oversight of the South Sudan Peace Agreement

The Department of State commends the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for selecting former Botswanan President Festus Mogae as the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) for South Sudan. A prominent leader of …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on October 16, 2015 - 21:49 GMT

Africa: Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Sarah Sewall to Travel to the Democratic ...

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Sarah Sewall will travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from October 18-24, 2015. While in the DRC, Under Secretary Sewall will discuss bilateral and regional issues …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on October 7, 2015 - 01:21 GMT

Africa: Referendum on a New Constitution in Republic of Congo

The United States notes with concern the decision by Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou N’Guesso to hold a referendum on a new constitution that would overcome existing term limits and permit him to run again for president after the end of his term …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on October 2, 2015 - 19:14 GMT

Africa: Remarks at a High-Level Meeting on the Central African Republic

We gather at an extremely tense moment for the Central African Republic. Over the last few days, we have witnessed the alarming outbreak of violence in Bangui. At least 36 people have reportedly been killed and a hundred injured. According to UNICEF, …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on October 1, 2015 - 00:51 GMT

Africa: Call for Restraint in Burkina Faso

The United States remains deeply concerned about the fragile political and security situation in Burkina Faso. We call on all sides to seek common ground and take responsibility for protecting the human rights of all Burkinabe citizens, including those …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on October 1, 2015 - 00:51 GMT

Africa: Release of the Report of the AU Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan

The United States welcomes the decision by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to release the report of the Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan. This is a long-awaited and necessary step in addressing the call of the South Sudanese people …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on September 23, 2015 - 01:44 GMT

Africa: On the Finalization of the Libyan Political Dialogue

Last night, after almost a year of intensive negotiations, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Bernardino Leon presented the final text of the proposed Libya political framework to establish a new Government of National Accord in Libya. The …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on September 23, 2015 - 00:28 GMT

Africa: U.S. Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of South Sudan

The United States is pleased to announce more than $80 million in additional humanitarian assistance for conflict-affected people in South Sudan, and for South Sudanese refugees in the region. This announcement follows the signing of the peace agreement …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on September 17, 2015 - 22:20 GMT

Africa: United States Welcomes Mozambique Announcement on Landmine Clearance

The United States welcomes Mozambique’s announcement today that it has completed clearance of all known fields of landmines in the country. Since 1993, when Mozambique emerged from decades of conflict as one of the world’s most landmine-affected nations, …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on September 17, 2015 - 01:32 GMT

Africa: Recent Actions by Elements of the Presidential Guard in Burkina Faso

The United States is deeply concerned about the unfolding events in Burkina Faso. We call for the immediate release of President Kafando, Prime Minister Zida, and all other officials being held. The United States strongly condemns any attempt to seize …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on September 16, 2015 - 20:05 GMT

Africa: Press Availability With South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane

SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good morning, everybody. I apologize that we are running a little bit behind. There have been a couple of interrupting phone calls. And my distinguished guest, the Foreign Minister Mashabane, has been very understanding, and I …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on September 16, 2015 - 16:57 GMT

Africa: Remarks With South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane

SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. I’m really pleased to be able to welcome for a series of meetings today in our Strategic Dialogue the Foreign Minister of South Africa Nkoana-Mashabane. And it’s my pleasure to report that South Africa is playing …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on September 8, 2015 - 12:42 GMT

Africa: Commencement of Operations by the United States Mission to Somalia

The Department of State is pleased to announce the commencement of operations by the United States Mission to Somalia. The new mission reflects a continuation of U.S. efforts to normalize the U.S.-Somalia bilateral relationship since recognizing the …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on September 4, 2015 - 19:42 GMT

Africa: Constitutional Reform Commission

The United States notes with concern the decision by Rwanda’s Parliament and President Paul Kagame to establish a Constitutional Reform Commission that may amend or remove executive term limits and permit President Kagame to seek a third term in 2017. We …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on September 3, 2015 - 00:16 GMT

Africa: Advancing the Prospect for Peace in Burundi

Fifteen years ago, the spirit of the Arusha Agreement transformed the landscape of Burundi by enshrining the conviction that the government must represent and serve all Burundians. Today Burundi faces a renewed challenge: to end violence and achieve …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on August 29, 2015 - 16:19 GMT

Africa: Attacks in Nigeria

The United States strongly condemns the raids on villages in northeast Nigeria on August 28, and we extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones of the civilians who were killed and injured. These recent raids are just additional examples of the …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on August 21, 2015 - 22:51 GMT

Africa: Political Agreement reached in Guinea between Ruling and Opposition Parties

We commend the agreement reached between Guinea’s ruling and opposition political parties, which clears the way for Guinea to hold the first round of presidential elections on October 11. The Government of Guinea and the main opposition political parties …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on August 21, 2015 - 21:27 GMT

Africa: 2015 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in Gabon

On August 24-27, the United States and Gabon will co-host the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in Libreville, Gabon. Recently reauthorized by the U.S. Congress for an additional ten years, AGOA has been the cornerstone of the U.S. …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on August 20, 2015 - 18:20 GMT

Africa: Urgent Need for Political Dialogue in Burundi

Today’s inauguration in Burundi demonstrates the ruling party’s intent to ignore the voices of its people in pursuit of its own political agenda. An inauguration - without a government that represents the population’s many political voices and without a …

Distribution channels: Human Rights

Published on August 19, 2015 - 00:11 GMT

Africa: Special Envoy Thomas Perriello Returns to the African Great Lakes Region

Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa Thomas Perriello will return to the region on August 18 to visit Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.), and Angola. The Special Envoy's trip will focus on upcoming elections …

Distribution channels: Human Rights