Dipnote - Entries By Category http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2008-08-29T16:18:00-05:00 Sudan Policy Engages China About the Author: Heather Hwalek works in the State Department's Office of Sudan Programs Group.

Members of the State Department's Office of Sudan Programs Group are frequently sought out to participate in conferences held in Washington to discuss the situation in Sudan and the conflict in Darfur. But rarely is there an opportunity to travel halfway around the world -- all the way to Beijing -- to engage Chinese scholars and a diverse group of international actors on the topic.

In June, Sudan Programs Group Deputy Director Jason Small and Desk Officer Kemi Yai boarded a 14-hour flight to China's capital city to attend the country's first public forum on Darfur. A government-affiliated think tank, the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS), hosted a two-day conference on "Peace and Development" in Darfur. Academics and NGO representatives from various African, Middle Eastern and European countries joined Chinese academics and government officials from Sudan to discuss the root causes of the conflict, the current situation and trends, possibilities for a peace settlement, and the responsibility of the international community. The conference was an avenue for China to detail for the international community their policy towards Sudan and efforts to end the violence in Darfur. The conference was especially timely given the media hype over China hosting the Summer Olympics next month.

Chinese representatives detailed the Darfur conflict as a fight over resources that could largely be resolved by development assistance. Jason highlighted the challenges to achieving peace in Darfur and the U.S. government's efforts to help meet this goal, such as the contribution of over $5 billion in humanitarian, peacekeeping, and development assistance, financial and logistical support to help train and equip African peacekeeping troops, and continuous engagement in the political process. Kemi Yai spoke on obstacles to the Darfur political process, namely fragmentation of rebel groups and the tenuous relationship between the governments of Chad and Sudan. Jason and Kemi also met with the Chinese Special Envoy to Sudan.

The international community has widely recognized China's strategic importance in addressing Sudan issues. The U.S. government has specifically encouraged China to help pressure the Sudanese government to facilitate the deployment of the joint UN/African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), end the flow of conventional arms to belligerent parties in Darfur, and support humanitarian groups operating in the region. Although China is often criticized for its relationship with the Government of Sudan, it is important to realize that the Chinese have supplied personnel to both UN missions in Darfur, including vitally-needed engineers for UNAMID. This contribution constitutes the first and only major non-African units deployed to Darfur to be accepted by the Government of Sudan.

Though the United States and China may differ at times on the best course of action in Darfur, the Chinese were gracious hosts during the conference. In a display of Chinese hospitality, guests were afforded a visit to the Great Wall and treated to a Farewell Reception in the courtyard of the CIIS building, a beautiful former foreign embassy. The Sudan Programs Group looks forward to continuing its role in building relationships with international partners to address the conflict in Darfur.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_policy_china/ 2008-07-29T21:48:00-05:00 Ninety Summers for An Icon Statement on Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday

About the Author: Mary Deane Conners is the Public Affairs Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.

Nelson Mandela turned 90 on July 18, 2008. Affectionately known as Madiba -- the clan name given to him at the "initiation ceremony" during his teenage years -- former South African President Mandela began receiving birthday wishes from the entire nation and the world for weeks prior to his birth date. From the "46664" (his number in prison) concert held in London, to the birthday party in the village of his youth, Qunu, in the rural Eastern Cape Province, there has been an outpouring of local and international respect and goodwill.

The print and electronic media have been particularly active in reporting on the many events related to Mandela's birthday and in facilitating the conveying of goodwill messages. The national broadcaster (SABC) aired many times daily its "Happy Birthday" message on all its television channels and radio stations for two weeks prior to July 18. All South Africa's most important newspapers carried multiple articles, full-scale inserts, editorials and opinion pieces, covering Madiba's life and times. The Independent Newspapers Group published a 16-page insert with the title "Happy 90th Madiba" for its various newspapers throughout the country. Articles, pictures and messages of goodwill filled each page. The Times featured a full page, front cover photograph of Madiba on July 18 with the message "Happy 90th birthday NELSON MANDELA." The Mail & Guardian featured a cartoon on the front page depicting a smiling Madiba with one of his famous shirts featuring the number "90" and many faces, young and old. Title: "Madiba @ 90: His greatness, his presents, his letters, the cartoons" and followed with an insert of nine pages in the main body of the paper.

It is difficult to overestimate the role Nelson Mandela plays in the South African psyche. He is the man, released from decades of unjust imprisonment, but without bitterness, who came to lead a nation and embody all of its finest hopes and aspirations. He brought South Africa together to create a better future.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/ninety_mandela/ 2008-07-28T21:57:00-05:00 Speaking the Language Helps: Lessons from AGOA VIEW VIDEO | Full Text

About the Authors: Lynn Butler and Kari Jaksa, summer interns at the U.S. Department of State, report on their experiences during the ministerial events of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum.

Most articles you will read concerning the Seventh AGOA Forum will be filled with facts and figures. As interns in the Bureau of African Affairs and volunteers at the forum, we had the opportunity to see a more human side of US-Africa trade relations.

For those of you new to the acronym "AGOA," it is the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and is a piece of legislation that eliminates trade barriers between the United States and qualifying African nations. To qualify, one must meet standards of democratization and good governance. Currently, 41 African nations receive AGOA benefits.

The annual forum, held this year in Washington, D.C., focused on mobilizing private investment, and was attended by delegations from each qualifying nation as well as representatives from the civil society and the private sector.

Our jobs were to escort dignitaries and ensure that the forum ran smoothly. We also helped to assist the press and document the activities of the day. We seemed to impress many African delegations with our language skills, both breaking into Swahili and French throughout the day as we mixed and mingled with the guests. Though the masses of dark business suits could sometimes appear intimidating, African delegates broke into huge smiles after hearing a familiar language. Our new friends were eager to take pictures and swap business cards during the breaks between sessions. We were just as pleased to meet them and to hear their opinions on topics that we had studied. Just as exciting was the chance to see Secretary of State Rice speak in person for the first time, especially because it was a topic in which we were so invested.

Though the plenary and breakout sessions discussed many crucial issues facing Africa today, it was during the recesses that some of the most significant interactions took place. From these friendly exchanges, true diplomatic relations emerged. Overall, the forum seemed to be successful, and for these two "summer associates" it was an exciting experience and an invaluable lesson in international relations.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/lessons_from_agoa/ 2008-07-21T19:08:01-05:00 Sudan: SPLM Convention Marks Milestone About the Author: Heather Hwalek works for the Department's Sudan Programs Group.

In the United States, there has been much focus on the Democratic and Republican parties’ National Conventions to be held later this summer, when they will nominate candidates, establish a party platform, and rally their members for upcoming campaigns. Last month, the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) held its own National Convention in preparation for what will hopefully be Sudan’s first free and fair national elections, to take place in 2009. Plans for national elections are an integral part of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which, signed in 2005, ended 21 years of civil war between the SPLM, a Southern-based opposition movement, and the National Congress Party, based in the North, and which currently controls the central government.

The SPLM’s first National Convention was held in 1994, at the height of the civil war, in secret and under threat of aerial bombardment. This second Convention brought together more than 1,500 delegates from every Sudanese state, and many from the diaspora, representing all the different religions and ethnic groups that make up Sudan, together in the auditorium of Juba’s brand new Cultural Center. Members of all the other political parties in Sudan were invited to commemorate the landmark event, and the State Department, along with many other foreign missions, was invited to observe this unique political gathering in Sudan.

Besides taking care of official business, such as democratically electing party leaders for the first time and developing the party’s platform on key issues heading into elections, the Convention attendees also knew how to have fun. Party leaders chanted to rally the crowds, delegates joined in singing and dancing, and even the Secretary General of the SPLM took his turn reading a poem and leading the crowd in song. A marching band in bright red uniforms performed patriotic songs while the audience cheered on. And the event did not go unnoticed by members of the international community – in addition to the many members of the diplomatic corps in attendance, actor Ben Affleck even put in an appearance!

The successful SPLM Convention marked a significant milestone, not only in the transformation of the SPLM into a national political party, but for the democratic transformation of Sudan as a whole, and helps set the stage for what will be a very important and exciting year in Sudan’s history.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_convention/ 2008-06-03T14:45:00-05:00 Diamonds: From Bloodshed to Reconstruction About the Author: Sue Saarnio is the State Department’s Special Advisor for Conflict Diamonds.

It wasn’t long ago that the remote part of Liberia, near the Sierra Leone border, was controlled by rebels. I was there a couple of weeks ago as part of a Kimberley Process review team that was visiting diamond mining sites to monitor Liberia’s compliance with the international diamond trading regime. In the 1990s, the diamonds from this region financed weapons and supported those who brutally abused, maimed and killed the local residents. Now -- with any luck -- these diamonds may help contribute to Liberia’s economic development and support reconstruction efforts.

Diamond mining is hard, back-breaking work performed in wretched conditions. The miners stand knee-deep in mud hefting pans of gravel to be sieved in search of the illusive octahedron-shaped stones. They weren’t finding any diamonds the day we were there. I asked the miners why they didn’t just return home and plant crops, settle down and become farmers. They laughed, but we all knew why. Tomorrow they might find the big one, and that is what keeps them coming back.

The Kimberley Process was set by the international community in 2003 to try to prevent diamond sales from financing the bloodshed witnessed in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Angola. Five years later, 74 countries have agreed to control the sales of rough diamonds in an effort to keep them out of the hands of rebels and tyrants. The idea is that if we can keep the diamonds in formal export channels, there’s a chance we can help prevent future conflict and contribute to government revenues that will support reconstruction.

Liberia’s got a lot going for it – a strong President, solid international donor support and abundant natural resources. Liberia is coming back. Diamonds could play a positive role its future.

Dipnote readers are invited to read more about multilateral diplomacy and the Kimberly Process.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/diamonds_bloodshed_to_reconstruction/ 2008-05-19T21:21:01-05:00 DipNote Poll: Is the Increased Emphasis on Africa… I went home to New York for Easter weekend and was surprised to find my work life infiltrating the holiday weekend. On Saturday night I went to a popular Broadway musical. The theatre was packed, the production phenomenal and the applause lengthy. The surprise came after the curtain came down and the lead actor asked the audience to give money to a charity that helps prevent disease in Africa. My curiosity was piqued by the recipient. I had never seen a Broadway actor pitch for any charity outside of the U.S before. Surprise number two came during Easter services at the church I have been going to since I was a little girl. Three quarters of the way through, a woman went to the pulpit and spoke about a church trip she had made to Africa. The story was riveting, and then she came to the point -- a plea for the congregation to give generously this year because everything donated on Easter Sunday would go to charities in Africa.

emptyWorking in Washington, one can lose perspective on what the general public is focusing on at any given time. Having worked at USAID and now the State Department, I was well versed on the situation in Africa and development in the region. The President's unprecedented increase in aid to Africa surpasses that of any of his predecessors; the richest man in America devotes a large portion of his foundation to the cause; and the most visible celebrity in America adopts children from, visits, and gives time and money to this region.

I've noticed "Africa:"on many of the resume I've received lately. It seems as if every high school and college student is racing to do good work on the continent of Africa. I have often asked myself whether this is a trend, or a sustainable interest of the American people. Is this the "in" cause due to all the attention high profile names have given to it, or is this a cause the general public believes is important to global stability?

Today, DipNote is partnering with Sodahead, a polling company, to quantify your thoughts on various foreign policy issues. This is your poll, devoid of any bias. The only opinions taken will be the ones you give. The poll will attempt to determine broad trends of thought with regard to an international issue.

]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/dipnote_poll_is_the_increased_emphasis_on_africa/ 2008-04-15T19:26:00-05:00 Behind the Scenes: President Bush Visits Ghana This blog entry is written by Nancy Brinker, Chief of Protocol at the U.S. Department of State.

Accra, Ghana
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The morning we arrived in Accra, we went to the Osu Castle where the Chief of Protocol and I led the introductions of our respective delegations and Presidents. After a meeting and Press conference, we attended a lunch at the residence of Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater. President Bush and The First Lady were joined by the Peace Corps volunteers that are so essential to providing development and assistance to the Ghanaian people year-round. Ghana was the first country in the world to welcome Peace Corps volunteers in 1961, and since then, they have worked together to further support its commitment to democracy.

After lunch we went to the United States Agency for International Development West Africa Trade Hub. At the Hub, 30 tribal chiefs from 10 regions visited with their delegations, and entertained the President and Mrs. Bush. Their dress was all individually beautiful and colorful. We had the opportunity to view the exhibits of the products made through the support of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the program President Bush supported and worked to reauthorize in 2002. Products such as soap, woven baskets, and wood carvings, were some of the many sold for export, and to companies such as Target and Walmart.

The umbrellas shading the Chieftans were extraordinarily colorful. I was taken back by the beauty and intricacy of all the products, so uniquely and carefully handmade. Without the benefit of factory production, the scale and amount of products is limited, but the beauty and quality prevails.

In a lengthy conversation with Sue Brown, the United States Deputy Chief of Mission, I learned that the average per capita income was $1,400, up from $600 in 2005, and that the level of education was improving. However, there is a scarcity of teachers since so many left the country and a real need for more educational programs continues. I also asked her about the health awareness and the diet of the average Ghanaian.

That afternoon, Mrs. Bush and I visited The Maamobi Polyclinic, a primary health clinic focused on Malaria control, the education for nutrition, and for the care of mothers and children. The 2007 American Idol Winner and advocate for combating malaria, Jordin Sparks, gave an impressive performance of our national anthem. At the polyclinic, we had a demonstration of retreating bed nets, encouraging people to take part in what can be a simple solution. The insecticide-treated bed nets have shown to be effective, since the mosquitoes that cause malaria seem to bite primarily at night. The use of the bed nets is especially important for pregnant women and children.

President Bush participated in a Tee Ball Game at the Ghana International School and shortly after met with President Kufour. President Bush announced his new initiative to provide $350 million dollars over a five-year span to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases, such as hookworm and river blindness. President Kufour was very grateful for the support.

In the evening, we went to the elegant State dinner that President Kufour and Mrs. Kufour held for us. The setting was very memorable and many of the men and women were dressed in their colorful National dress. Ghanaian President Kufour wore his as well. The music was what is called Highlife, a mixture of Jazz and African rhythm. President Kufour gave a wonderful toast to President Bush, where he expressed his gratitude and dedicated the new highway that will be funded from the Millenium Challenge as the George Bush Motorway. Dancing and celebration followed. Our visit was appreciated very much and even at night when leaving the reception, the streets were lined with Ghanaians waving flags and inviting us back.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

The next morning was the realization that our trip was soon coming to an end. We were ending our 5-country journey with a visit to Monrovia and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. I had met her a few months ago when she came to meet with President Bush and was awarded the National Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award a President can give. This is the fourth time she and President Bush have met, proving their desire to only build stronger relationships.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/behind_the_scenes_president_ghana/ 2008-02-21T16:52:00-05:00 Behind the Scenes: President Bush Visits Liberia This blog entry is written by Nancy Brinker, Chief of Protocol at the U.S. Department of State.

Monrovia, Liberia

We arrived in Liberia, although it was a very short trip, only 5 hours.

That afternoon we had the honor of participating in a Youth Development Roundtable with President Johnson-Sirleaf, along with Vice President Joseph Boakai’s wife, Mrs. Karyumu Boakai, United States Ambassador Donald Booth’s wife, Mrs. Anita Booth, and local adults who have personally been affected by the war and have worked with Liberian youth.

The participants were very inspiring. Second Lieutenant Geraldine George is only one of 36 women in the new armed forces of Liberia that the Government started training in 2006. She was a first year law student but followed the call to serve her country. Esther Davis was abducted at 14 by militia soldiers who attacked her village. She was taken into a women’s unit and taught to cook, load ammunition, and shoot. She then took part in the violence during the civil war. She registered with the organization, THINK, which connects schools, teachers, and students from around the world to build knowledge together, and she studies cosmetology and now is currently in 7th grade. Another inspiring individual was Moses Aware, who has been awarded as a top musician in Liberia, and was a refugee with his family in Cote d'lvoire. He uses his experiences to encourage other young people to avoid violence and HIV infection.

Like Geraldine, Esther, and Moses, all of the participants were outstanding. Their stories are of courage and hope. The oppression of war and violence denied so many an education. Mrs. Bush encouraged parents to ensure education for their children, and for those adults who were denied education, to go back and get the education and skills they deserve. The United States has supplied development funds, and support for civil society to overcome the lack of infrastructure. Many of the facilities are run by generators, and power supplies and water are grave problems.

President Johnson-Sirleaf, the first woman ever elected to lead an African nation, is very well respected for her abilities to lead and keep the development going forward. She is a strong advocate to re-build the Liberian economy as she travels the world seeking support and investment. This is a challenging transformation in Liberia, and one which will require continued will, courage, and investment.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/behind_the_scenes_presdient_bush_visits_liberia/ 2008-02-21T16:04:00-05:00 Behind the Scenes: President Bush in Rwanda This blog entry is written by Nancy Brinker, Chief of Protocol at the U.S. Department of State.

Kigali, Rwanda

Upon arrival to Kigali, we were welcomed by President Kagame, and Indemuka dancers. The ceremonial dance is performed for visitors and marriages. The Intore Dance Troupe also performed a dance for us, which has been preserved since the fall of the monarchy. It is performed by males, wearing long yellow wigs, and acting as warriors returning from victory.

From there, we headed to the Kigali Memorial Centre, a memorial for the hundreds of thousands of victims of the Rwandan Genocide. It was opened in April, 2004, on the 10th Anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide. Today, 258,000 are buried there, and mass graves are still being discovered daily. The exhibition was a troubling reminder of how hatred allowed such atrocities to continue unchallenged. Within just 100 days, approximately 800,000 lives were taken, and 85% of the Tutsi population had been eliminated. The leadership in Rwanda has made steps to overcome violence and hardship. People are hard at work attempting to rebuild. The economy is re-emerging, and justice and reconciliation are priorities. It was clear this will take a great deal of leadership.

That afternoon we dedicated the new United States Embassy in Rwanda and were greeted by 21 Ambassadors resident in Kigali, representing their governments. This Embassy will be a home away from home for all Americans wishing to visit Rwanda.

President Bush and President Kagame discussed the progress of foreign and domestic investments on the Rwandan economy. In particular, the coffee and IT industries are blossoming. Rwanda is becoming a more attractive place for U.S. businesses to invest. Currently, U.S. companies like Starbucks, Macys, and Costco have investments in Rwanda.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/behind_the_scenes_president_bush_in_rwanda/ 2008-02-19T20:31:00-05:00 Behind the Scenes: President Bush in Tanzania This blog entry is written by Nancy Brinker, Chief of Protocol at the U.S. Department of State.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

After a intense and interesting visit in Tanzania, we were sent off by a very spirited and moving Departure Ceremony. The meetings between President Kikwete and President Bush went very well. Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Kikwete, dressed in her khanga decorated with President Bush’s picture on it, followed their spouses down the red carpet. The band was playing uplifting music, the Tanzanian people were waving American flags, and expressing their gratitude for both the President’s, and the United States support of their country and the issues that affect them. After the President and Mrs. Bush boarded Air Force One to depart, President Kikwete and his wife walked back on the red carpet and took part in the ceremony by dancing. It was an interesting visit and great to see President Kikwete’s national pride in the success of his people.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/behind_the_scenes_president_tanzania/ 2008-02-19T15:16:00-05:00 Behind the Scenes: President Bush in Arusha, Tanzania This blog entry is written by Nancy Brinker, Chief of Protocol at the U.S. Department of State.

Arusha, Tanzania

On Monday we arrived in Arusha, Tanzania and went directly to Meru District Hospital. The streets were lined with many supporters who are very appreciative of what President Bush has done for their people.

The Meru District Hospital was founded in 1968 as a rural health center and upgraded to a hospital in 1986. The hospital is a President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) partner that participates in all related health facility-based programs. The Reproductive and Child Health Clinic provides prenatal and postnatal services, vaccinations, and an outpatient department for women and children. The clinic treats approximately 1,300 malaria cases per month and provides prenatal care to approximately 550 women per month. The facility issues approximately 225 bed net vouchers to pregnant women per month. The clinic also provides voluntary HIV counseling and testing, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission services (PMTCT), and HIV/AIDS care and treatment services.

To date, more than 3 million bed net vouchers have been distributed in Tanzania, roughly 1.9 million from PMI. The vouchers allow recipients to purchase bed nets from private retailers at a 75 percent discount. This hospital has almost 40,000 patients come through yearly. USAID senior project manager, fifty-three-year-old Patrick Swai, said mothers and children are given vaccinations, checked for Malaria and AIDS, and has been told that cancer screening is to be added soon. We brought bed nets with us today and President and Mrs. Bush passed them out.

We then visited the A to Z textile mill where we were briefed on the creation of the bed nets. The new nets last longer – up to five to seven years and this program has been very successful here. The President announced new steps in the bed net campaign. Within the next six months, the United States and Tanzania, in partnership with the World Bank and the Global Fund, will begin distributing 5.2 million free bed nets. This ambitious nationwide program will provide enough nets to protect every child between the ages of one and five in Tanzania.

We could see Mount Kilimanjaro from where we were. It is called Killy by the young people. The farms are small and carefully tended and one can only imagine the hopes and dreams of the farmers as their survival is based on this years crops. The weather because of the altitude is cooler than Dar se Salaam and along the road new hotels seem to be opening as well as tourist sites.

We then traveled to the Maasai Girls School where President and Mrs. Bush gave books to the students. Once again the roads are lined with children, mothers and many young boys.

When we arrived at the school we were entertained by the Maasai Tribe. The girls sang to us and thanked President Bush for the support to learn and be educated. They sang their praise and said education is the opportunity they need not to have to marry at this age.

Sister Mary Vertucci started this school 1998. She challenged us to make sure the school remains culturally acceptable and the men become supportive. Being educated and being a wife are not mutually exclusive.

Check out this article from Reuters about the school:
http://features.us.reuters.com/cover/news/L29314810.html

]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/president_bush_arusha/ 2008-02-18T17:30:00-05:00 Behind the Scenes: President Bush Visits Tanzania This blog entry is written by Nancy Brinker, Chief of Protocol at the U.S. Department of State.

Tanzania, Africa (First Day)

We boarded plane in Benin and departed for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. President Jakaya Kikwete and Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda were there to greet us along with U.S. Ambassador Mark Green and his wife Sue.

The President and Mrs. Bush received an enthusiastic welcome here. The malaria programs and the Millennium Challenge Account grant program have made President and Mrs. Bush very popular. There was a large crowd gathered at the airport and many of the women wore dresses made of fabric with President Bush’s picture. Even Mrs. Kikwete, the First Lady of Tanzania was wearing this type of dress.

At the arrival ceremony we were greeted with dancers performing dressed in khanga and vitenge. The dancers represented more than five tribes and the dancing was fascinating and celebratory. The streets were lined for miles with probably a hundred thousand of Tanzanians. The Tanzanian Chief of Protocol told me that this was the first time in recent history that an American President has come to Dar es Salaam. On the way to hotel there was a giant billboard thanking President Bush for the AIDS programs.

Dinner that night hosted by President Kikwete and was very interesting. The food was all local and delicious - Tanzanian shrimp followed by squash soup, chicken and beef and vegetables and bananas cooked slowly. There weren’t any sweets as I was told the Tanzanians don't have big taste for sweet food. The food was seasonal and my dinner partner told me very natural.

Tanzania is slightly smaller than New Mexico and Texas combined and the mainland is adjoined by Zanzibar with the executive capital being Dar es Salaam and the legislative capital is Dodoma. The mainland population is approximately thirty-nine million and one million in Zanzibar. The official language is Kiswahili and English as a sub-language. The African population consists of more than 120 ethnic groups of which five of them have more than a million each and more than eighty percent of the population lives in rural areas. Although much of Zanzibar’s population came from the mainland, one group descended from early Persian settlers.

Tanzania has rich evidence of fossil remains of some of humanities earliest ancestors. Some even suggest that East Africa may have been the site of human origin. The interior of the country is believed to have been settled by ethnic groups using a click tongue language similar to that old Southern Africans Bushmen and Hottentots. Only remnants of theses early tribes exist today.

The coastal area first felt the impact of foreign influence as early as the 8th century. By the 13th century, traders and immigrants came from Persia (which we now know as Iran) and India. European influence and exploration followed Vasco De Gama explored the East African coast in 1498 and in 1506 the Portuguese claimed control of the entire coast. This was followed by German Colonial interests and British spheres of influence.

Zanzibar’s spices attracted traders from all over the world as far away as the U.S. and our consulate was establishes on the Island in 1837. It was made a British protectorate in 1890 and remained unchanged until the late 19th century until after WWII. The first elections were held in 1957 and Zanzibar received its independence from the United Kingdom in 1963 as a constitutional monarchy under the sultan. In 1964, after a rebellion against the sultan Tanganyka united with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

Significant measures have been taken to liberalize the economy along market lines. Overall real economic growth has averaged about four percent a year and is much better than previous years but not enough to improve the lives of the average Tanzanians. However, Ambassador Mark Green is confident that the economy is moving in the right direction. Political stability of recent years is an encouraging factor. He is very optimisitc about the future of the country.

The main industrial activities are small and medium size businesses specializing in food and dairy products. The hope is that in terms of mineral resources and an effort to reduce debt, and build upon an untapped tourism industry, Tanzania can host a more vibrant economy. Tourism is also a promising sector for Zanzibar with a number of new hotels and resorts which have been built o the island. The beautiful weather, green grass and palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze suggest a very prosperous tourist environment.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/president_bush_tanzania/ 2008-02-17T17:11:00-05:00 Behind the Scenes: President Bush in Benin This blog entry is written by Nancy Brinker, Chief of Protocol at the U.S. Department of State.

Benin, Africa

As part of my official duties as Chief of Protocol, I travel with the President on Official Trips oversees and ensure all aspects of the protocol portion of the trip are successful. Our first stop was in Benin after a nine hour and forty-five minute flight.

When we landed, President and Mrs. Bush were greeted by President Yayi Boni who, before becoming President of Benin was a former West African Bank Director. Upon arrival, President Bush was presented with the Grand Cross of the National Order of Benin. Watch the video.

After he and the President Yayi Boni held two meetings and then headed over the to US Embassy where President Bush greeted and met with about one hundred US State Department employees serving in Benin.

We were only in Benin for a few hours and then we jumped back on the plane and headed to Tanzania. The President travels at a quick pace and we do our best to keep up with him.

Our relations with Benin have been strong since the nineties and their embrace of democracy. The United States government assists them with long term resource development through USAID. The Peace Corps also has a very active program here with over 110 volunteers and is considered one of the most successful in Africa. And through the Millennium Challenge Account, there is a $300 million dollar grant in place to increase investment and private sector activity. President Bush launched the Millennium Challenge Account as a new model to support governments that commit to rule justly, invest in people, and encourage economic freedom. To date, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has signed seven compacts with African countries totaling $2.4 billion to fight poverty through economic growth. We got to see first hand this American generosity put to good use.
I want to thank Ambassador Gayleatha Brown for making this stop of our trip so successful.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/president_bush_benin/ 2008-02-16T15:30:00-05:00 Evacuation: A Narrow Escape in Chad Solomon Atayi serves as a Foreign Service Officer assigned to the U.S. Embassy in N’Djamena, Chad. Below is a letter to his friends describing the recent embassy evacuation due to escalating violence and civil unrest in Chad.

Dear friends,

I am sending you this email to let you know that I am fine. We were evacuated on Sunday afternoon and taken to the French military base. Early this morning at 3:00 AM a U.S. military base in Germany sent a military plane to come to bring us to Yaoundé. We evacuated dependents and children on Saturday before the start of the war. They left at 4:00 AM and the war started around 9:00 AM. The Department of Defense element came to the compound to secure it. We were all divided into 2 groups. One group with the Ambassador was at the embassy, and the other group was on the U.S. housing compound. We were all put in one room, and the 11 of us were right on the floor. We could hear the fight. One tank stopped right under our wall, and each time it fired, the room vibrated. We could hear bullets flying as well as the rocket propelled grenades. The U.S. Navy Seals were on the top of the biggest building on the compound, and they had authorization to open fire if anyone came onto the compound. The fight lasted until 5:00 PM when everything got quiet for the evening prayer. Then it started again till 9:00 PM. On Saturday, it started over again. When they moved toward the President’s Palace, the looting started. We were hearing from the local guards who stayed at our separate residences how one after the other they had to abandon each post because the house was invaded by looters.

Yes, I lost absolutely everything. Everything. And I am not the only one. We all lost everything except our life. God was looking over us. Two houses on the compound got hit by strayed cannon fire. We were hearing those guns fire all day on Saturday and part of Sunday. When the rebels stopped the fight on Sunday to regroup, that's when the French troops came to the compound in armored trucks that looked like tanks and took us to their military base. The French sent a helicopter to the embassy to airlift our Ambassador, the marines and others who were at the embassy.

I went to Chad with over 2000 pounds of goods, I left with one bag that contained one pair of pants, 2 socks and 2 shirts. They even took all my figurines and all our Christmas decorations that we had been collecting for many years and were planning to give to the children.

Do I regret having gone to Chad? No. Not at all! In fact, I am ready to go back. We were doing a very good job and were helping Chadian children by donating books, backpacks, and school supplies. We were constantly in schools talking to them and helping them whichever way we could. I really loved this job. There was nothing more gratifying than to see a mother crying of joy because we donated school supplies to her child or a Catholic sister crying because we gave her a grant to help her help Chadian abused women. I loved it and will go back if I have the chance. The only thing I will do differently is that I will not spend the fortune I spent to prepare for my life in Chad.

Again, we are all fine, and I thank you all for all your prayers. Thanks to those prayers, a missile miraculously sailed straight through the Ambassador’s office, piercing both walls and exploding outside, while embassy staff were inside burning classified documents. I cannot explain how that happened, but that was what happened.

Thank you and I love you all.

Solomon]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/us_evacuates_embassy_in_chad/ 2008-02-08T13:00:00-05:00 Sudan:  UN Hopes To Restore Stability, Refugees Still Miserable in Camps Rebecca Jovin, a member of the Sudan Programs Group for the U.S. Department of State, writes about her recent visit to Sudan.

I just returned from Darfur where I was following up on the January 1 transfer of about $40 million in U.S. Government equipment to the new UN peacekeeping force known as UNAMID.

There is a lot of activity these days in El Fasher, North Darfur's remote, dusty capital. In fact, the once-sleepy city of about 200,000 is booming: new hotels and houses are being built all around town, the downtown market is growing and they're putting street lights along the main road. UNAMID's presence in town remains limited, but it's clear everybody expects a surge of people over the coming weeks and months. UN Resolution 1769, which established the peacekeeping force last July, calls for 26,000 troops and police to be in Darfur when UNAMID is at full force -- the largest peacekeeping operation ever deployed. Right now, UNAMID has about 9,000 personnel in Darfur, an area about the size of France.

Although El Fasher is thriving, hundreds of thousands of Darfuris are still living in IPD camps -- often using plastic sheeting for shelter -- just miles from the downtown area. Their lives are still miserable -- driven from their homes and hampered by interethnic fighting and lawlessness on the ground. Many hope the UN peacekeepers will help improve the security situation and bring stability to the region.

I had the chance to travel outside of El Fasher as well. One day we flew up to Millit, one of the 34 base camps the USG initially built for the African Union (AMIS) peacekeepers who are now part of UNAMID. I accompanied one of the Technical Advisory Teams (TATs) our government has provided to help the transition from AMIS to UNAMID, and advise UNAMID personnel on camp management. These TATs are essentially small teams of contractors who advise UNAMID personnel on how to keep the camps running, including how to maintain the power, the sanitation, and the communications equipment.

In Zam Zam, I saw new tents and facilities that USG contractors had built back in 2007 to house additional peacekeepers. And we turned over a large donation of equipment to Brig. General Eze, a Nigerian camp commander under UNAMID.

In Nyala, Chinese engineers and Bangadeshi police units were on the ground. When I visited, the Chinese had not yet started building one of the “supercamps” the UN will use during this large peacekeeping mission, but I did see them unpacking newly arrived containers and checking on construction equipment.

In addition to traveling out to Darfur, I also spent several days in the capital city of Khartoum. It was a sad atmosphere due to the tragic killing of USAID employees John Granville and Abdelrahman Abbas on New Year's Day. I had the opportunity to be in Khartoum for a memorial service held in honor of John and Abdelrahman and to hear touching personal accounts from friends and colleagues, who knew and loved both of them. John and Abdelrahman will be missed, and we all continue to hope that the Sudanese investigations will shed some light on this horrific event.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/un_darfur/ 2008-01-23T13:38:00-05:00 Protecting the Environment in Africa’s Congo Basin Matthew Cassetta served as the U.S. Regional Environmental Hub Officer for West and Central Africa from 2004 to 2006.

It is nearly midnight and my colleagues and I are under a perfect sea of stars in a remote forest village in northeast Gabon, near the border with Cameroon. There is a bonfire blazing, and we watch transfixed as a parade of wildly painted dancers leap, imitating leopards and forest spirits. Women shake palm leaves and sing the high, haunting notes of traditional pygmy song. It is a lulling, vivid night of magic to treasure.

We were in the village to make a donation of tools to its leaders and to discuss the new national parks law, which was widely heralded by conservationists but little understood locally. The visit was also a microcosm of why I have told people many times that this may just be the best Foreign Service job in Africa: Regional Environmental Hub Officer for West and Central Africa. Meeting regularly with scientists, NGOs, villagers, government officials and wildlife experts gave me a better understanding of how development affects not only the environment but also the livelihoods of people in this struggling region.

My two years based in Libreville took me to 24 countries for reporting, representation and field visits to talk to people involved in a range of development, science and conservation programs. The job entailed site visits to remote wildlife preserves, ecotourism sites and logging camps, to document initiatives and participate in briefings with regional environmental officials about how to best conserve the region's fragmented forests and dwindling wildlife. I also played a part in writing and monitoring grant projects which are key to supporting park networks, providing technical assistance and trouble-shooting between donors and NGOs. I also maintained a steady stream of reporting back to Washington on issues ranging from poaching to health epidemics to watershed management and conservation milestones.

There is good news from Africa, though the environment may not often make the headlines. Recent years have seen an impressive degree of regional cooperation, particularly among the six countries of the Congo Basin, resulting in cross-border protected areas being established, collaboration in research and -- against all odds -- even some small but successful tourism ventures. If the world knew a bit more about Africa's magnificent forests, wildlife, waterfalls and other unique features, I am convinced there would be even more interest in their conservation.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/environment_africa/ 2008-01-04T17:23:00-05:00 Death of a Colleague in Sudan Walter Braunohler is a public diplomacy officer at the U.S. embassy in Khartoum, Sudan.

My wife and I woke up on New Year’s Day at 4:00 AM to the news that two of our colleagues at USAID had been attacked in a neighborhood near ours in Khartoum. Over the next few hours, the Embassy vaulted into crisis mode. Facts and rumors swirled as we attempted to make sense of what had happened.

We learned that John Granville, 33, an American officer, and Abdelrahman Abbas Rahama, 39, a locally employed Sudanese national, had been shot. Abdelrahman died at the scene. John was immediately taken to the hospital. After hours of surgery, where volunteers from the Embassy stood by to give blood, John succumbed to his injuries and passed away. Both John and Abdelrahman died serving the common interests of the U.S. and the Sudan in bringing peace and stability to a country that has long been wracked by violence and conflict.

The entire U.S. mission in Sudan is in a state of shock over the deaths of John and Abdelrahman. John worked on the Democracy & Governance team with USAID – just last week, I worked with him on a reporting cable about the role of radio in Sudan’s political future, one of John’s areas of expertise.

The Embassy is working closely with local authorities on investigating the tragic events of New Year’s Day here in Khartoum. It’s our hope that we will have some more answers soon.

Khartoum is designated as a danger post in the Foreign Service with an unfortunate history of deaths in the line of duty. In 1973, Ambassador Cleo Noel Jr. and Deputy Chief of Mission George Curtis Moore were killed by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September. In 1981, a USAID employee was killed in a car accident.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/death_of_a_colleague/ 2008-01-03T13:54:00-05:00 Behind the Scenes: Nigerian President Visits U.S. This blog entry is written by Nancy Brinker, Chief of Protocol at the U.S. Department of State.

Yesterday morning I greeted the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and his delegation. We congratulated him on his successful recent election. The election was on April 21, 2007 and it will mark the first transfer of power from one elected civilian president to another in the country.

President Bush and he discussed many issues including social justice, rule of law, democracy and security issues. President Bush brought up the joint concerns our countries have about AIDS and malaria. Also, President Bush stressed that the United States is interested in being helpful in Nigeria with childhood education and making sure every child has one!

Before I brought President Yar’Adua in to meet the President, we stayed for several minutes as he signed the guestbook in the Roosevelt Room of the White House West Wing (across the hall from the Oval Office). I was curious about his background in Chemistry and began to ask how it related to his current position. He answered thoughtfully that thinking as a chemist helped him to problem solve and approach problems carefully and creatively. As most of my life has been intertwined with biological science, our conversation drifted to health care and his concern for his countries needs. In addition to AIDS, we discussed the management of chronic disease and he told me that though life spans had increased in his country from 48 to 57 over the last several years, he was very concerned that there wasn't enough care for cancer patients or other chronic illnesses. We also discussed the land. He said it was fairly flat so that it could accommodate the development. There are many young people under 15 and he said how important it was to have them be educated and productive. It was a highly educative day and opportunity to visit with another interesting leader.

Today at the White House we have the President Garcia of Peru. He is meeting with President Bush and then they are signing the Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Tonight, The President and Mrs. Bush are coming here to the State Department for our Holiday Reception for our Chiefs of Diplomatic Missions and their spouses. It is going to be a great day!]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/nigerian_president/ 2007-12-14T13:16:00-05:00 The People in Darfur Have Suffered Enough Lauren Landis is the Sr. Representative, Sudan, Sudan Programs Group.
Lauren's previous post: Stop the Fighting in Sudan

Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked for USAID's Food for Peace Program and Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and Save the Children, delivering food and humanitarian assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable populations. I've visited people all over Africa who have lost everything: their homes, their livelihoods, their families and their friends because of violence, war, famine and other catastrophes. In Sudan, the situation is particularly bad -- the UN calls it the world's worst humanitarian disaster. Currently there are 2.5 million people living in IDP camps, driven from their lands by insecurity and violence.

Because I know the fear in which these people live -- I've gone to Darfur repeatedly -- I was troubled when I read press reports that displaced persons were being ordered to move. In addition, the Government of Sudan has said it is going to divide one IDP camp in Darfur into several smaller camps. I'm not on the ground in Darfur right now, but I want to take a moment to reiterate the U.S. policy on the movement of IDPs.

Our government condemns any efforts to pressure internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Darfur to leave IDP camps before the displaced have voluntarily decided to return to their homes. We also condemn any forced movements of IDPs. We insist that the Government of Sudan adhere to the international agreements that it has made with respect to ensuring IDP returns in Darfur are voluntary. Moreover, any IDP sites must meet all international humanitarian standards, be fully accessible to humanitarian workers, and be secure.

The people in Darfur have suffered enough. They don’t need to be forced to move against their will.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/darfur_suffered_enough/ 2007-11-03T08:22:00-05:00 Stop the Fighting in Sudan Lauren Landis is the Sr. Representative, Sudan, Sudan Programs Group.
Lauren's previous post: En Route to Darfur

I returned from Darfur last week where I went to look at the progress U.S. contractors are making on the camps that will house U.N. peacekeepers when they arrive in Sudan. I spent much of my time around El Fasher in camps including Zam Zam and UmKadada. El Fasher is the capital of North Darfur.

From what I saw, there’s a lot that’s been done: Crews are working around the clock in three shifts to install the big white tents and containers where the UN troops will live and work. They’ve built mess halls, septic tanks, perimeter walls and vehicle repair shops. It’s quite a sight to see these camps literally sprouting up in the dry dusty red clay of Darfur.

But around the time of my visit, there were some ominous developments in Darfur: Ten AU peacekeepers were killed outside the town of Haskanita, and there was fighting between the rebels and the Government of Sudan troops and their allies. The attacks and the escalation of violence drove home the point that UN peacekeepers must be sent to Darfur as quickly as possible. We need to get more troops on the ground to bring some security to the region. The people of Darfur are frightened; the humanitarian workers are frightened and some of them are leaving.

The UN-sponsored peace talks are scheduled to begin in Libya on October 27. But in the meantime, we must all insist that the Government of Sudan, the rebels and everyone else involved in Sudan stop fighting.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_stop_fighting/ 2007-10-15T17:53:00-05:00 En Route to Darfur Lauren Landis is the Sr. Representative, Sudan, Sudan Programs Group.
Lauren's next post: Stop the Fighting in Sudan

Right now, I’m on my way to Darfur (via Dubai and Khartoum) to look at some of the camps the UN peacekeepers will use when they are sent to the region. This is one of the many visits I have made to Sudan – both to Darfur and the South – since I became the Senior Representative on Sudan at the State Department more than a year ago. And each time I come to Darfur, I visit the displacement camps where nearly two and a half million people live. I am reminded once again of what they have suffered and the importance of what we all want – a peaceful solution so that these people can go home. The UN calls Darfur the largest humanitarian disaster in the world. Talking to these people – and seeing their living conditions – makes you realize how important it is that we get more peacekeepers on the ground as soon as possible, and we get a peace agreement all will live by.

Last week at the United Nations, there was a special Ministerial meeting on Darfur before the General Assembly. One of the things leaders focused on was the need to deploy the peacekeepers – the UNAMID force – quickly. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Deputy Secretary John Negroponte, Special Envoy Andrew Natsios and Assistant Secretary Jendayi Frazer all stressed the need for rapid deployment.

UN Resolution 1769, which established the peacekeeping force in July, calls for 26,000 troops and police to be in Darfur when UNAMID is at full force.

Right now, there are about 7,000 African Union troops in Darfur. They have done a good job, but they have been overwhelmed by the task. These African troops will become part of the UNAMID force.

What most Americans probably don’t know is that the United States built and maintained the base camps for the African Union troops. Altogether we have spent about $400 million building and operating 34 base camps. And we are spending more money to expand seven of those camps for to hold approximately 1500 new troops.

So that’s why I am going to Darfur: to make sure the camp expansion is taking place on time – so more troops can get on the ground as quickly as possible.

But American assistance to the people of Darfur and Sudan will not stop just because the UN deploys. In fact, the U.S. will contribute about one-quarter of the funds needed for the peacekeeping mission. And that’s in addition to the $4 billion we have already provided to the people of Sudan since 2005.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/en_route_darfur/ 2007-09-28T21:51:00-05:00