Department of State Press Releases

Africa: On the U.S. Indictment of Two Individuals for Their Role in the Attempted Coup in The Gambia

The Department of Justice today announced a criminal complaint charging Cherno Njie and Papa Faal for their involvement in the attempted coup in The Gambia on December 30. U.S. law enforcement action in this matter highlights the importance we place on …

Africa: Sudan National Day

Africa: United States Denounces Reported Coup Attempt in The Gambia

The United States is aware of reports of a coup attempt on December 30 in The Gambia. We strongly condemn any attempt to seize power through extra-constitutional means. We regret the loss of life and call on all parties to refrain from further violence.

Africa: Government of Sudan's Decision to Expel United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and the Country Director of ...

The United States deplores the decision by the Government of Sudan to expel two senior United Nations officials and calls on the Government of Sudan to reverse the decision. The expulsions of Mr. Ali Al-Za’tari and Ms. Yvonne Helle, two highly regarded UN …

Africa: Christmas Day Attack in Somalia

The United States strongly condemns the December 25 attack targeting African Union forces in Mogadishu. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the military and civilian personnel who were killed in this cowardly terrorist act. These …

Africa: Marking the Tenth Anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami

I’ll never forget hearing the news of the tsunami that struck in the Indian Ocean 10 years ago. The images were gut-wrenching: entire towns razed from Indonesia to Somalia; raging waters sweeping away people’s homes; hundreds of thousands killed and many …

Africa: Kenya's Counterterrorism Efforts

The U.S. Government is firmly committed to supporting Kenya's efforts to defeat al-Shabaab and to ensure security of all of its citizens. We are disappointed, however, by the very limited time allowed for debate and consultation on the 2014 Security …

Africa: United States Congratulates Mauritius on Successful Elections

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Mauritius on the peaceful transition of power that resulted from the successful elections held on December 10. Mauritius’ series of free, fair, democratic, and peaceful elections stand as a …

Africa: South Sudan's Leaders Need To Set Aside Their Dispute

In 2011, the world’s newest nation was born amid joyous celebrations. The international community welcomed South Sudan not just with cheers but also with promises of help. The hope and promise of that day are now at grave risk of being squandered if the …

Africa: Secretary's Office of Global Partnerships Announces 2015 Girls STEAM Camp

The Secretary’s Office of Global Partnerships (S/GP) announced today a new partnership with Girl Up, Intel, Microsoft , and the Rwandan Girls Initiative, and the support of the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues (S/GWI), to launch a girls STEAM …

Africa: Assistant Secretary Thomas-Greenfield Visits Liberia in Support of Ebola Response Effort

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield is traveling to Monrovia, Liberia December 2-5 as part of a U.S. delegation reviewing ongoing Ebola response efforts in the country. The delegation will be led by Assistant Secretary …

Africa: U.S. Congratulates Namibia on Presidential Elections

The United States congratulates the people of Namibia for exercising their democratic right to vote in presidential and parliamentary elections on November 28. Namibia has once again demonstrated its commitment to an open electoral process and respect for …

Africa: United States Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Nigeria

The United States condemns in the strongest terms today’s horrendous attack on worshippers at the Central Mosque in Kano and recent attacks on innocent civilians in northeastern Nigeria. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of …

Africa: U.S. Concerned by Recent Attacks on Civilians in Beni (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

The United States is deeply concerned by the brutality and the increasingly frequent attacks on the civilian population of Beni territory, North Kivu, that have left almost 200 dead in the last 45 days, including women and small children. We offer our …

Africa: U.S. Concerned by Passage of Discriminatory Law, Arrests of LGBT Individuals

We are dismayed by President Jammeh’s decision to sign into law legislation that further restricts the rights of LGBT individuals and are deeply concerned about the reported arrests and detention of suspected LGBT individuals in The Gambia. These reports …

Africa: U.S. Congratulates Burkina Faso for Progress toward Democratic Transition

The United States congratulates the people of Burkina Faso and their leaders on the signing of a charter that will guide the transition to a democratically elected government. We congratulate Michel Kafando on being sworn in as interim president of Burkina …

Africa: State Department Assisting Family of Ebola Patient

The State Department, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is in touch with the family of a U.S. legal permanent resident working in Sierra Leone who has contracted Ebola. His wife, who resides in Maryland, has asked the …

Africa: Policy Choices for a Connected World

  Good afternoon.  I am delighted to be here to speak at this distinguished university and to visit your beautiful country.  Thank you so much for inviting me.  South Africa is the last stop on an Africa trip that included Tanzania and Kenya.  Along the …

Africa: Government of Sudan Delays Access to Investigate Reports of Mass Rape in North Darfur

The United States is deeply concerned by allegations of mass rape by Sudanese military forces in Tabit, North Darfur. While we take note that the Government of Sudan recently allowed access to the United Nations/African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) to …

Africa: Joint Statement on Peace Negotiations in Sudan

The text of the following statement was issued jointly by the Governments of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Norway. Begin Text: The members of the Troika (the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway) welcome the convening of …