U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers remarks with African Union Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on November 28, 2012. A text transcript can be found at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/11/201178.htm.
![U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with African Union Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., November 28, 2012. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me9budNhDN1qcug8io1_500.jpg)
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with African Union Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., November 28, 2012. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]
On Violence in Southern Kordofan and Negotiations Between Sudan and South Sudan
Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
March 22, 2012
The United States is alarmed by the threat of greater violence between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Northern Sector (SPLM-N) in Southern Kordofan State. Any such fighting will only worsen the humanitarian crisis there and lead to more civilian casualties. The conflict in Southern Kordofan and neighboring Blue Nile is also fuelling mistrust between Sudan and South Sudan and the United States is deeply concerned about the potential for a resumption of direct conflict between the North and South. Rather than risk the potential for war, both countries should prepare in good faith for the summit planned for early April between President Salva Kiir of South Sudan and President Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan.
The United States urgently calls on the Government of Sudan and the SPLM-N to agree on a cessation of hostilities. We reiterate our demand that the SAF end aerial bombardments of civilian areas and immediately allow unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. We also demand that South Sudan end any military support for the SPLM-N and work with the Government of Sudan on ways jointly to bring peace to the border region. We hope that the upcoming summit will focus on this objective along with issues such as oil and nationalities. We strongly condemn all violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, and demand that those responsible be held accountable for their actions.
The renewed fighting in North Darfur among SAF, rebel groups, and paramilitary forces further deepens the crisis in that region and threatens the progress made since the signing of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur in July 2011. We are deeply concerned about the displacement of civilians from their home areas. We urge the Government of Sudan, the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Mission in Darfur, and the newly established Darfur Regional Authority to address this situation urgently
Situation in Mali
Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
March 22, 2012
The United States condemns the military seizure of power in Mali. We echo the statements of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and other international partners denouncing these actions. We call for calm and the restoration of the civilian government under constitutional rule without delay, so that elections can proceed as scheduled.
We stand with the legitimately elected government of President Amadou Toumani Touré. Mali is a leading democracy in West Africa and its institutions must be respected.
“African Solutions for African Problems”
![A little Turkana girl walks towards an Oxfam distribution center to receive food in central Turkana district, Kenya, on August 30, 2011. [AP Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2011_0831_kenya_child_m.jpg)
About the Authors: Michael Battle serves as U.S. Ambassador to the African Union and the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa, and Ertharin Cousin serves as U.S. Representative to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome.
We congratulate the African Union (AU) for calling together African Nations to demonstrate their support as partners with the international community to address the serious drought and famine facing the Horn of Africa. At an AU-organized pledging conference last week, Africans also expressed their deep appreciation to the international community for its overwhelming continued support to humanitarian relief as well as to assisting the African continent build capacity for addressing future crises.
The African Union has been using the phrase, “African Solutions for African Problems,” to mean that Africa as a continent must endeavor to be full partners in addressing African problems. The African Union has never suggested that it wants to solve its problems in isolation from the international community rather it has consistently asserted that it wants to insert African… more »
DipNote: The Week in Review
About the Author: Luke Forgerson serves as DipNote’s Managing Editor. Today, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is in Tanzania, the third visit of a tripthat also includes stops in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), Zambia, and Ethiopia. During her travel to the U.A.E., Secretary Clinton participated in a meeting of the Libya Contact Group, where she said:![Secretary Clinton meets with farmers in Mlandizi, Tanzania, June 12, 2011. [AP Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2011_0612_clinton_tanzania_m.jpg)
“…Our coalition remains united and committed.… more »
On April 11, 2011, President Barack Obama released the following statement on events in Côte d’Ivoire:
“The United States welcomes the decisive turn of events in Côte d’Ivoire, as former President Laurent Gbagbo’s illegitimate claim to power has finally come to an end. This represents a victory for the democratic will of the Ivoirian people, who have suffered for far too long through the instability that followed their election. Today, the people of Côte d’Ivoire have the chance to begin to reclaim their country, solidify their democracy, and rebuild a vibrant economy that taps the extraordinary potential of the Ivoirian people.
“In the four months that have passed since Alassane Ouattara was elected President, the United States and international community have strongly supported the results of Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic election, and the right of the Ivoirian people to determine their own destiny. These results came after several years of support by the international community for Côte d’Ivoire’s peace and democratic processes. The United Nations Security Council, members of the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have all worked to advance the goal of a democratic Côte d’Ivoire in which the rule of the people is stronger than the rule of one man. The United States commends the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire and French forces for the actions that they have taken to protect civilians.
“For President Ouattara and the people of Côte d’Ivoire, the hard work of reconciliation and rebuilding must begin now. President Ouattara will need to govern on behalf of all the people of Côte d’Ivoire, including those who did not vote for him. All militia groups should lay down their weapons and recognize an inclusive military that protects all citizens under the authority of President Ouattara. The victims and survivors of violence deserve accountability for the violence and crimes that have been committed against them. The international community must continue to support the people of Côte d’Ivoire as they turn the page to a more hopeful and democratic future. In that effort, a democratic Côte d’Ivoire that respects the rights of its people will always have a friend in the United States of America.”
Before delivering remarks with Finnish Foreign Minister Dr. Cai-Goran Alexander Stubb, Secretary Clinton commented on the situation in Côte d’Ivoire. The Secretary said:
“…This transition sends a strong signal to dictators and tyrants throughout the region and around the world: They may not disregard the voice of their own people in free and fair elections, and there will be consequences for those who cling to power.
“We commend the [United Nations], the government and people of France, and other members of the international community who have worked diligently to ensure the safety and security of the Ivoirian people throughout this crisis. We also call upon all Ivoirians to remain calm and contribute to building a peaceful future for their country.
“Now the hard work begins. We look forward to working with President Ouattara as he implements his plan for reconciliation, economic development, and recovery.”
