| |  Bureau of African Affairs Assistant Secretary Jendayi Frazer leads the Bureau of African Affairs, the division of the Department of State that advises the Secretary about sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Frazer believes that we are living in an historic window of opportunity. For example, in the last five years, we have seen belligerence yield to negotiation in six contentious settings: Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the North-South element of the Sudan crisis. Formerly divided by conflict, Burundi now has an elected government up and running. The Democratic Republic of Congo has similarly moved beyond transition to successfully hold its first national election in more than 40 years. This is an historical shift. In the years ahead, African leaders face three key challenges: consolidating democratic gains, expanding economic growth, and stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Africa on Video - Learn more about current U.S. policy on Africa
 50th Anniversary of the Bureau of African Affairs
September 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of the bureau of African Affairs.  Visit this page for more updates on the history and events planned during the next couple of months. State Magazine article
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Secretary Rice Releases AIDS Relief Report
Secretary Rice (Jan. 12): "When PEPFAR was announced, the President set out aggressive goals of supporting treatment for 2 million people, preventing 7 million new infections, and care for 10 million people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, including orphans and vulnerable children. It is estimated that in 2003, only 50,000 people living with HIV in all of Sub-Saharan Africa were receiving antiretroviral treatment. Ahead of schedule, the United States has fulfilled its commitment to support treatment for 2 million people. As of September 30, 2008, PEPFAR supported life-saving antiretroviral treatment for more than 2.1 million men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS around the world." Full Text | Amb. Dybul's Remarks | 2009 AIDS Relief Report
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U.S. Calls on Guinea Junta to Announce 2009 National Elections
(Jan. 16): The United States takes note of the Guinean junta's announcement establishing a cabinet of military officers and civilians. Full Text
U.S. Welcomes ECOWAS Suspension of Guinea
(Jan. 12): The United States welcomes the decision by the heads of government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to suspend Guinea's membership until elections are held. Full Text
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 Ghana: Election of John Atta Mills
(Jan. 5): We congratulate Professor John Atta Mills on his January 3 victory in the Ghanaian presidential race. We commend the Ghanaian people on their resolve and deep commitment to the democratic process demonstrated in their participation in their nation's presidential and parliamentary elections. Full Text
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Ambassador Ruth A. Davis Honored at State Flag Ceremony
(Jan. 14): After 40 years of exemplary service at the Department of State, Ambassador Ruth A. Davis was honored at an official Flag Ceremony on January 14, 2009. She is the longest serving Career Ambassador and the highest ranking Foreign Service Officer.
Throughout her distinguished career, Ambassador Davis has sought to make the Foreign Service more diverse and representative of the United States. She has served as the Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff in the Africa Bureau since 2005, and previously held the positions of Ambassador to Benin, Director General of the Foreign Service, and Director of the Foreign Service Institute. Ambassador Davis will retire on February 11, 2009. Full Text
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2007 Human Rights Report
Secretary Rice: "A nation’s path to a future of human rights protected by law is neither smooth nor straight. Along the way, there are bound to be stumbles and setbacks. Even under the best of circumstances, it is not easy to transform democratic ideals into effective democratic institutions. Yet despite every challenge, the courageous champions of human rights persevere. They are an inspiration to their fellow citizens and to all of us. The high standard that they set continues to give hope to people everywhere who work peacefully for their liberty, their dignity, and their rights." Human Rights Report, 2007 | AFRICA Only
Trafficking in Persons: Interim Assessments
The report covers 37 African countries which can be viewed here. 2008 Report | 2008 TIP Briefing
Advancing Freedom and Democracy Reports, May 2008 | AFRICA ONLY
View more reports | | | Highlights |  Sign up for Africa email updates.
Africa's Hot News! Check out news on Somalia, Mauritania, Guinea. Watch the Daily Press Briefing and read other releases on Africa.
U.S. Calls on Guinea Junta to Announce 2009 National Elections
(Jan. 16): The United States takes note of the Guinean junta's announcement establishing a cabinet of military officers and civilians. Full Text
Contact Group on Piracy Off the Coast of Somalia
(Jan. 14): The Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia met at United Nations Headquarters in New York on January 14, 2009, and agreed on the following statement. Full Text
Ambassador Ruth A. Davis Honored at State Flag Ceremony
(Jan. 14): After 40 years of exemplary service at the Department of State, Ambassador Ruth A. Davis was honored at an official Flag Ceremony on January 14, 2009. Full Text
Inaugural Meeting of the Contact Group on Somali Piracy
(Jan. 12): The Contact Group on Somali Piracy (CGSP) will hold its inaugural meeting at the United Nations Headquarters Building in New York City on January 14, 2009. Full Text
Secretary Rice Releases AIDS Relief Report
Secretary Rice (Jan. 12): "Good morning. I am pleased this morning to release the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief 2009, the Annual Report to Congress. This report highlights the achievements of the first five years of PEPFAR, the largest commitment by any nation to combat a single disease in human history." Full Text
U.S. Welcomes ECOWAS Suspension of Guinea
(Jan. 12): The United States welcomes the decision by the heads of government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to suspend Guinea's membership until elections are held. Full Text
Anniversary of Comprehensive Peace Agreement Implementation
(Jan. 9): The United States congratulates the parties on the progress made in implementing the CPA over the last four years, including creation of a Government of National Unity, establishment of a wealth-sharing program between North and South Sudan, and completion of the national census. Full Text
New Ethiopian Law Restricts NGO Activities
(Jan. 8): The United States is concerned that the Charities and Societies Proclamation (CSO law) passed this week by the Ethiopian Parliament appears to restrict civil society activities and international partners’ ability to support Ethiopia’s own development efforts. Full Text
U.S. Calls for Elections in Guinea, Suspends Aid
(Jan. 6): The United States remains concerned about the military coup in Guinea. We support the efforts of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to speed the transition to civilian rule. Full Text
Ghana: Election of John Atta Mills
(Jan. 5): We congratulate Professor John Atta Mills on his January 3 victory in the Ghanaian presidential race. We commend the Ghanaian people on their resolve and deep commitment to the democratic process demonstrated in their participation in their nation's presidential and parliamentary elections. Full Text
 African Affairs Bureau Marks 50th Anniversary
The AF Bureau is 50 years old this year. Its story is one of support for the U.S. ideal of equality, domestically and overseas.
(Oct. 3) Event: National Museum of African Art
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