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Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson is the leading State Department expert on U.S. policy on Africa. He travels nationally and internationally promoting U.S. policies as well as working with the leaders of the African continent.
U.S.-Africa Trade and the AGOA Forum Event
Assistant Secretary Carson (May 13): "U.S. exports to Africa were $17.1 billion in 2010, while U.S. imports from the region were $64.3 billion. This compares to $5.9 billion in U.S. exports and $23.4 billion in imports from Africa in 2000 prior to AGOA. AGOA has made progress in creating jobs, spurring economic growth and facilitating a dialogue on key economic and political challenges facing many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Importantly in this time of shrinking budgets, it has done all of these things at relatively low cost to the U.S. taxpayer. " Full Text» Audio Remarks»
The Recent Elections in Nigeria
Assistant Secretary Carson (Apr. 28): "Nigeria has just completed its most successful elections since its return to multiparty democracy in 1999. The Nigerian people have shown to the world their resilience and will to have their voices heard. These elections were a real opportunity to choose their leaders." Full Text»
U.S. Policy Towards Africa in 2011: Implications on Current Events
Assistant Secretary Carson (Apr. 5): "Some of you might already be familiar with the five focal areas of our Africa policy: strengthening democracy and governance; helping mitigate conflict; promote economic growth and development; assist with addressing its health issues; and focus on prevailing over certain transnational problems. Over the past two years, Africa has made gains in some areas, maintained the status quo in others, and in experienced a few setbacks." Full Text»
Update to Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Assistant Secretary Carson (Mar. 31): "This week has seen some of the most intense fighting in Cote d’Ivoire since the political crisis began in late November. The United States calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to make the protection of civilians their highest priority. The people of the Cote d’Ivoire have already paid a very high price for democracy. We call upon both sides to ensure that civilians do not pay an even higher price in the future." Full Text»
Update on the Referendum Vote for Independence in Southern Sudan
Assistant Secretary Carson (Jan. 11): "More critical work needs to be done in the coming weeks and months to ensure final implementation of the CPA. Issues related to Abyei, to citizenship, to wealth-sharing and oil, as well as borders and security, will have to be resolved in the months ahead to complete the CPA process in its entirety. However, the Sudanese Government and people have defied the skeptics in coming this far." Full Text»
Special Briefing: Southern Sudan Referendum Update
Assistant Secretary Carson (Jan. 11): "The referendum on Southern Sudan’s independence is going extremely well, and we are pleased with the cooperation that we have seen from the leaders on both sides. The polling process is scheduled to last seven days and end on January 15th. Thus far, we are pleased with the high level of turnout and the cooperation of officials in both North and South Sudan." Full Text»
