Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson will travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Niger from October 17 to 26. Assistant Secretary Carson will be working to promote U.S. objectives of democracy and governance, peace and security, and economic development in these countries. During this trip, he will speak with representatives from the government, military, political parties, industry, and human rights, women’s rights and civil society organizations. In DRC, the Assistant Secretary will meet with political actors including political party leaders, representatives from the National Independent Election Commission, as well as civil society members to discuss the upcoming elections. In Rwanda, he will visit a demobilization camp for former combatants, tour sites and programs supporting Rwanda’s economic development and food security, and participate in roundtable discussions with civil society organizations on current issues. In Niger, he will visit a development project, and will meet with government officials, civil society leaders, representatives from the National Assembly, and women’s rights activists. He will also participate in media interviews and roundtables with journalists to discuss regional and multi-lateral issues in each of these countries.

Learn more about the activities of the Bureau of African Affairs at the Department of State at: //2009-2017.state.gov/p/af/index.htm

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