America.gov-World Regions: Africa

Ethiopian Lawyer Builds Strong Foundation for Women’s Rights

Jane Morse — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:28:58 GMT

Meaza Ashenafi’s legal skills helped her design better lives for Ethiopian women that include freedom from violence, equal rights, access to education and political participation. She has built a durable foundation for these designs via constitutional provisions to protect women and children’s rights.

U.N. Food Aid Agency Urges Countries to Lift Food Export Bans

Jane Morse — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:51:48 GMT

The head of the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) has called on countries that ban exports of food commodities to lift those restrictions so more food can be available for humanitarian aid. Approximately 40 countries have imposed bans as commodity prices have soared in the past year, WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran says.

Reintegration Often Tougher for Girl Child Soldiers

Jane Morse — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:48:38 GMT

Former girl soldiers often have a tougher time than boys reintegrating into society after conflicts end, and the sigma of military activities makes girls fear they cannot establish normal family lives. Michael Wessells, a child-protection practitioner, talks with America.gov about these problems.

Education Summit Advances U.S. Commitment to Global Development

Jane Morse — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:31:24 GMT

Partnerships among U.S. and foreign institutions of higher education, the private sector and foundations are the key to innovation and global development, and can help meet growing demand for food, water, health and energy, according to participants at the two-day Higher Education Summit for Global Development.

Zimbabwe Final Vote Tally Has “Serious Credibility Problems”

Jane Morse — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:55:28 GMT

The State Department says the official vote tally of Zimbabwe’s March 29 election has “serious credibility problems,” due to delays and irregularities. A runoff presidential vote is impossible while the leading opposition candidate and his supporters face abuse by President Robert Mugabe’s government, according to spokesman Tom Casey.

Ethiopian Coffee Brands Go Global, Wake Up Local Economy

Jane Morse — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:21:50 GMT

In 2004, Ethiopia set out to secure global recognition of three specialty coffees -- Yirgacheffe, Sidamo and Harar. Today, those coffee trademarks are protected in 29 countries and the branding is improving the lives of the 15 million Ethiopians who depend on the coffee sector, which accounts for 60 percent of the country's wealth.

Africa-Centered Military Command Designed to Listen and Respond

Jane Morse — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:58:36 GMT

The African continent faces a raft of security challenges. While the United States always has interacted with Africa through diplomatic missions, defense attachés and the Combined Joint Task Force for the Horn of Africa, the focus now has been sharpened through AFRICOM, which will be responsible for activities in 33 African countries.

Long-term Approach to Food Aid Problems Necessary, Rice Says

Jane Morse — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:11:02 GMT

An integrated approach to dealing with food aid problems can help avert future food crises, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says. America needs to be able to purchase food in regions where it is most likely to be needed. Local purchasing would drive down transportation costs and be good for markets seeking local goods, she says.

"Girls Gotta Run" Donates Shoes to Help Ethiopian Girls

Jane Morse — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:37:20 GMT

For many Ethiopian girls, being able to run is a real statement of freedom that turns into power. Training to be athletes allows them to stay in school, avoid early marriage and gain personal independence. The nonprofit group "Girls Gotta Run" (GGR) helps supply young female runners in Ethiopia with shoes they otherwise would not have.

Hallmark Joins “Red” Campaign to Fight AIDS in Africa

Jane Morse — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:23:35 GMT

Hallmark Cards, the world's largest greeting card company, has partnered with rock star Bono and lawyer Bobby Shriver to raise funds to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in Africa through the (Product) Red campaign. Since its launch in March 2006, the “Red” campaign has generated more than $100 million to fight the diseases.

Time for Zimbabwe’s Neighbors to Exercise Leverage, U.S. Says

Jane Morse — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:24:40 GMT

With forces loyal to Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe preparing to use severe force against his political opposition, the State Department urges the country’s neighbors to use “maximum leverage” to help the country’s citizens avoid a dramatic crisis. This comes after riot police raided the headquarters of the opposition.

Life of Nobel Laureate and Africanist Ralph Bunche Honored

Jane Morse — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:29:06 GMT

The State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs honors Ralph Johnson Bunche, a scholar, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, career diplomat and Africanist who sought to study and understand Africa from the African point of view. The occasion celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Africa Bureau’s founding.

Malaria Initiative Helping Save Lives, Treat Disease

Jane Morse — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:56:37 GMT

Efforts to reduce deaths caused by malaria in 15 African countries are succeeding because of a cooperative strategy based on partnerships between the United States and each African nation, says first lady Laura Bush. In 2005, President Bush took action to respond to this crisis by launching the President's Malaria Initiative.

Global Killer Malaria Can Be Prevented, Treated, Cured

Jane Morse — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:32:21 GMT

Malaria infects more than 500 million people a year and kills more than 1 million -- mostly infants, young children and pregnant women, and most of them in Africa. World Malaria Day, observed April 25, recognizes the determined work of many around the world to fight this devastating mosquito-borne disease.

Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur Worsening, U.S. Envoy Says

Jane Morse — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:12:36 GMT

The humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan is worsening and the number of killed and displaced people continues to grow, reflecting an atmosphere of continuing violence, a senior U.S. diplomat says. This devastating conflict has left 2.5 million people internally displaced and another 250,000 refugees in Chad.

AFRICOM Is Historic Step in U.S.-Africa Relationship

Jane Morse — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:28:14 GMT

The U.S. military’s Africa Command, known as AFRICOM, is “history in the making” and -- like the establishment of the Africa Bureau at the U.S. Department of State 50 years ago -- it is a vital step in an ever closer relationship between Africa and the United States.

Internews Helps Radio Journalists Give Ugandan Citizens a Voice

Jane Morse — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:36:20 GMT

U.N. Looking for Ways to Enhance African Peacekeeping

Jane Morse — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:23:13 GMT

U.N. peacekeeping operations should have clearly defined goals and specific missions, timelines and budgets, and they should not be a substitute for ending conflicts or an excuse for delaying ways to resolve them. Part of the problem is that U.N. resources are overstretched and the supply of well-equipped peacekeepers does not meet demand.

U.S. Adopters of Foreign Orphans Undergo Tough Scrutiny

Jane Morse — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:53:56 GMT

The United States adopts more children from abroad than all other countries combined. This is because of a culture of adoption in America, where a child does not have to be genetically linked to its parents to be loved, experts say. Strong institutional safeguards protecting children’s rights and well-being also play a role.

Africans Living Better Lives Through U.S. Development Foundation

Jane Morse — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:05:07 GMT

Women, youth and the disabled in 18 African nations are living better lives and realizing their dreams of economic self-sufficiency -- while also strengthening their countries’ economies -- with the help of the U.S. African Development Foundation. Ideas for its small and medium-size projects come directly from the Africans themselves.

Rice Urges Zimbabweans to Release Election Results

Jane Morse — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:14:49 GMT

The United States stands with the Zimbabwean people in carrying out the results of recent national elections, but it also calls on the government to release election results immediately. Elections were held March 29, but the results have yet to be released. Secretary Rice says the longer the results are held, the more suspicion grows.

High Food Prices, Urban Migration Make It Hard to Help the Poor

Jane Morse — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:53:39 GMT

The dynamics of development and humanitarian assistance are changing, according to Henrietta Fore, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. At a major international food aid conference, Fore and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer discuss new challenges posed by high food prices for donors and recipients.

Food Crisis Has Long-Term Global Challenges, Rice Says

Jane Morse — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:00:03 GMT

President Bush is seeking an additional $350 million from Congress to provide immediate emergency food assistance, but the current food crisis has long-term global challenges, says Secretary Condoleezza Rice. "We need to encourage farmers and transporters, markets and governments to meet this urgent worldwide challenge," she says.

Kenya’s New Coalition Government Is Important Step Forward

Jane Morse — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:59:09 GMT

The State Department praises the agreement between Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition party leader Raila Odinga to share power in a coalition government as a courageous decision that will move the country forward. Violence had swept across Kenya in the aftermath of its December 2007 election.

U.N. Calls for New Food Donations, Predicts Long-term Success

Jane Morse — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:49:55 GMT

U.N. World Food Programme Director Josette Sheeran asks donor countries to increase aid for the world’s hungry. At the same time, she says at the 10th annual International Food Aid Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, that her organization is making progress in building long-term solutions by helping farmers in developing countries.

African Development Bank, U.S. Agency to Aid Small Businesses

Jane Morse — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:55:49 GMT

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the African Development Bank Group agree to mobilize up to $125 million in private funds for small- and medium-size African entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. A minimum 25 percent of the businesses helped will be owned by women, USAID says.

U.S. Committed to Building New Security Partnerships

Jane Morse — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:22:02 GMT

America’s diplomats and military personnel are coming together in new ways to help friends and allies better safeguard their countries, improve area livelihoods and build regional security. Civilian and military experts are "building partner capacity" in many areas, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says.

Violence Against Zimbabwe’s Opposition Contrary to Democracy

Jane Morse — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:50:44 GMT

U.S. officials say there is no place for violence or intimidation in a democracy after groups loyal to Zimbabwe’s government mount attacks against the political opposition in the aftermath of the March 29 election. The State Department also criticizes plans to recount the votes in the presidential balloting.

Bush Orders $200 Million for Emergency Food Relief

Jane Morse — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:43:45 GMT

Responding aggressively to a worsening global food crisis, President Bush orders some $200 million in emergency U.S. food assistance to address the impact of rising commodity prices on U.S. emergency food aid programs, meet unanticipated food aid needs in Africa and elsewhere, and help relieve political instability in some regions.

Rising Global Food Prices Likely to Continue, Say Experts

Jane Morse — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:10:15 GMT

Sharply rising costs for food staples and fuel are leading to deadly clashes in impoverished countries and likely will continue for some time, international experts say. Rising prices are attributed to a combination of factors, including reduced production, low food stocks, drought and higher energy and transportation costs.

Former Child Soldier a Beacon of Hope to Conflict Survivors

Jane Morse — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:01:47 GMT

Former child combatants, with proper guidance, can live normal, productive lives, says Ishmael Beah. A former child soldier himself, Beah is living proof that the psychological scars from wartime atrocities need not be crippling. He tells his story in the book A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier.

Kenyan Leaders Urged to Resume Talks on Coalition Government

Jane Morse — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:23:07 GMT

The United States is encouraging Kenyan leaders to resume talks aimed at creating a power-sharing Cabinet and a coalition government, say senior U.S. officials. The United States and the entire international community are ready to assist a coalition government, says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Best Practices to Fight HIV/AIDS Is Focus of Uganda Meeting

Jane Morse — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:23:29 GMT

Those who deliver HIV/AIDS programs to affected populations in 15 nations hit hardest by the disease will gather in Kampala, Uganda, in June to share their knowledge and influence future AIDS programs. The theme of this annual HIV/AIDS Implementer’s Meeting is “Scaling Up Through Partnerships: Overcoming Obstacles to Implementation.”

Bloggers in Mauritania Form a Union

Jane Morse — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:19:39 GMT

Mauritania’s 400 bloggers are putting aside differences in their views on politics, society, religion and even language to form the Mauritanian Bloggers Union as a means of protecting their rights and establishing rules and standards. Bloggers talk about what they hope their union can achieve.

Liberians Soon May Be Getting More Mail, with U.S. Help

Jane Morse — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:09:33 GMT

Following 14 years of civil war and destruction, Liberia is trying to rebuild its infrastructure and institutions and restore peace and security, and as part of that effort, the United States is helping to deliver the mail to millions of Liberians who want to be in contact with each other and the rest of the world.

Banker Calls for New Global Food Policy, More Investment in Africa

Jane Morse — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:54:16 GMT

A “New Deal” for global food policy is urgently needed and sovereign wealth funds should invest $30 billion in Africa to help fuel the continent’s long-term economic development, says World Bank Group President Robert Zoellick. He warns that current high prices for staples are threatening the most vulnerable people on the continent.

U.N. Peacekeeping Vital to International Security

Jane Morse — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:29:06 GMT

U.N. peacekeeping operations serve as crucial tools in addressing a wide array of threats to international peace and security, especially where direct military involvement by the United States is not necessary or appropriate, a senior U.S. diplomat says at a congressional hearing on U.S. support and funding for such operations.

Clinton Foundation Makes AIDS Drugs More Widely Available

Jane Morse — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:25:03 GMT

Since 2005, Dr. Shaffiq Essajee, as a senior adviser to the William J. Clinton Foundation’s HIV/AIDS Initiative, has established pediatric HIV/AIDS treatment programs in dozens of countries in Africa and Asia, and worked with drug companies and health organizations to get affordable HIV drugs to those infected in the poorest nations.

Zimbabwe Delays Results of Presidential Elections

Jane Morse — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:58:22 GMT

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission continues to delay results from the country’s March 29 elections, particularly the contest between incumbent President Robert Mugabe and opposition candidates. The State Department calls for a report that “adequately and accurately represents the actual votes cast and the will of the Zimbabwean people.”

“Extensive” Irregularities Reported Ahead of Zimbabwe Elections

Jane Morse — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:56:03 GMT

Independent groups are reporting “extensive pre-election irregularities,” ahead of Zimbabwe’s March 29 national vote, prompting the U.S. State Department to question the chances for a free and fair vote. Concerns include inaccurate voter roles, violence against political opponents and overproduction of postal ballots for use by government personnel.

Low Detection Rate, Drug Resistance Slow Progress on Tuberculosis

Jane Morse — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:25:48 GMT

The pace of progress in the intense battle between global public health officials and the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria -- source of an infectious disease epidemic that kills more than 1 million people each year -- slowed in 2006, according to the World Health Organization. America.gov talks to experts on the frontline of the war on TB.

Somali Extremists Added to U.S. Terrorist List

Jane Morse — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:37:00 GMT

Al-Shabaab, a Somalia-based extremist group with known ties to al-Qaida, is named as the latest addition to the State Department’s list of foreign terrorist organizations. “Al-Shabaab has used intimidation and violence to undermine the Somali government and threatened civil society activists,” a State Department statement says.

Kosovo Independence Significant in Muslim World, Envoy Says

Jane Morse — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:28:35 GMT

Kosovo may be Europe’s newest nation, but its significance extends well beyond the region. “To be able to secure a Muslim-majority state inside the European whole is a terrific signal that the Muslim world and the non-Muslim word can live side by side in peace and cooperation, one with the other,” says a U.S. diplomat.

Bush Envoy Urges Additional Peacekeepers for Darfur

Jane Morse — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:45:08 GMT

Saying it is “past time for talk” in international humanitarian efforts to alleviate “the first great horror of the 21st century,” Richard Williamson, President Bush’s special envoy to Sudan, urges the U.N. Security Council to accelerate deployment of troops for the United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur.

Somali Woman Champions Women’s Rights in Africa

Jane Morse — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:33:11 GMT

Farhiyo Farah Ibrahim, just 25 years old, has found the fortitude to withstand severe ostracism in her fight for a better life for women in Africa. A native of Somalia, she is a passionate champion for the rights of women, girls and refugees and speaks out against forced marriages, violence against women and forced genital mutilation.

American Volunteer Helps Liberians Realize a Better Life

Jane Morse — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:59:22 GMT

“Liberia is the kind of country I wanted to come to as an American to be of assistance,” development specialist Conor Hartman says. “If you look at countries around the world that are emerging from conflict, Liberia is the most promising of all … you have the best leadership team and most qualified president, with a very capable Cabinet.”

PEPFAR Prevents Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV

Jane Morse — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:40:38 GMT

Tatu Msangi, a registered nurse from Tanzania and first lady Laura Bush’s guest at the 2008 State of the Union address, is a health counselor who is HIV-positive. She talks with America.gov about how the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief is improving health and changing lives in Tanzania.

Small Environmental Groups Can Make a Big Difference

Jane Morse — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:15:43 GMT

Environmental groups in the United States come in many sizes, from the 1.3 million-member Sierra Club to small neighborhood groups that clean trash from their local streams, monitor water quality and plant trees to prevent erosion. Even the smallest grassroots groups can have a big impact. USINFO looks at “stream teams” -- groups of volunteers that collect water samples and other data to monitor the health of their local drainage areas, provide information to government agencies and press for effective laws against polluters.