April Polls, Turning Point For Nigeria – US

Posted by admin Africa & World Politics, Elections 2011, Latest Politics Friday, June 3rd, 2011

The United States of America has declared that the April 2011 electoral process was a great turning point for the country.

This further backs the assessment of the international community of the April general elections and successful transition programme in Nigeria.

Speaking during a special press briefing he addressed together with the Deputy Representative of the United States on Trade, Mr. Demetrios Marantis, and Vice President for Compact Implementation for the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Mr. Patrick C. Fine in Washington DC, the United States Assistant Secretary of state for African Affairs, Ambassador Johnnie Carson said that the transition programme was a proof that the democracy of the country has greatly developed.

Ambassador Johnnie Carson who led the Special Delegation of President Barrack Obama to the inauguration ceremony of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in Abuja on Sunday further stated that he was happy with the development that had been achieved democratically by the government of Nigeria.

He continued that electoral process in Nigeria had signified substantial progress in the country’s democratic development and a new beginning for the Nigerian people.

“That event signified substantial progress in Nigeria’s democratic development and a new beginning for the Nigerian people. We in Washington look forward to working with President Jonathan and the people of Nigeria to help them build on the 2011 elections to create a just, strong, and more prosperous future for all Nigerians,” he said.

Speaking on the current situation in Sudan, Ambassador Johnnie Carson noted that the United States was against the offensive operations being undertaken by the Sudanese Armed Forces in and around Abyei town and the presidential decree dissolving the Abyei administration.

He added that the actions being taken by the Government of Sudan were blatant violations of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of January 2005, noting that they threatened to undermine the mutual commitment of the CPA parties to avoid returning to war.

The United States Special Diplomat for Africa, however, called on President Bashir and First Vice President Salva Kiir to meet immediately and agree on a way forward that restores calm, upholds the CPA, and recommits both sides to negotiated political settlements on the future of Abyei.

Meanwhile, the State Department has warned U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Burundi, stressing that the notice replaced the Travel Warning for Burundi, dated November 4, 2010, to provide information regarding travel to and within Burundi, as well as revised information on security restrictions for Embassy personnel.

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