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Digital Press Briefing with the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya [1]

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Date: 2024-06

MODERATOR: Good morning to everyone from the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Regional Media Hub. I welcome our participants logging in from across the continent and thank all of you for joining this briefing. Today, we are very pleased to be joined by the U.S. Department of State’s Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya. Under Secretary Zeya will share observations from her travel to Senegal and Guinea to meet with senior government officials and civil society leaders on democracy, justice and human rights, and regional civilian security priorities.

We will begin today’s briefing with opening remarks from Under Secretary Zeya and then we will turn to your questions. We will try to get to as many questions as we can during the briefing.

So with that, I would like to turn it over to Under Secretary Zeya for her opening remarks.

UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Thank you, Johann, for the welcome. And good morning, everyone, et bonjour a toutes et a tous. And thank you so much for joining us today.

So I’m currently in Brussels, after a dynamic visit this week – sorry, I think we have a little bit of an echo; Johann, is the echo gone?

MODERATOR: Sounds better now.

UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Sorry. So I —

MODERATOR: No, that sounded quite good.

UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Okay. I’m currently in Brussels, after a dynamic visit this week to both Senegal and Guinea. Now, as many of you already know, mine was one of a series of visits by senior U.S. officials to the African continent, including Secretary of State Blinken, USAID Administrator Power, UN Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, Secretary of Commerce Raimondo, Secretary of Treasury Yellen, and Deputy Secretary of State Campbell, just to name a few. This is already my second trip to the continent this year – having visited Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire in January.

So why all the U.S. travel to the region? Because, as Secretary Blinken put it early in this administration, “Africa will shape the future – and not just the future of the African people but of the world.” President Biden further expanded on this at the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, declaring: “African voices, African leadership, African innovation all are critical to addressing the most pressing global challenges and to realizing the vision we all share: a world that is free, a world that is open, prosperous, and secure.”

Which brings me to my June 10th to 11th visit to Dakar, Senegal, where I had robust and fruitful exchanges with President Faye and dynamic representatives from Senegalese civil society. I also had the privilege to visit the House of Slaves Museum on Goree Island with Mayor Senghor – a visit that touched me personally as a stark reminder of our shared history, but also the potential for renewal as we re-commit to never forget the immense human toll of transatlantic slavery, and, thus, to never repeat injustices of the past.

For generations – over 60 years in fact, the U.S.-Senegal partnership has thrived across a range of shared priorities, from public health and governance to education and regional security. In my conversation with President Faye, I affirmed U.S. readiness to deepen this generational partnership and listened and learned about his priorities and the aspirations of the Senegalese people. In the spirit of deepening our partnership, I shared three key messages:

First, Senegal’s reputation as a beacon of tolerance and democratic governance is well-deserved and something for which the Senegalese people rightfully should be proud. I congratulated the president on his historic election as Senegal’s youngest president and the youngest elected leader on the African continent, which showcases that when citizens have the opportunity to vote in free and fair elections, they do so overwhelmingly. I’d also like to recognize and congratulate the people of Senegal for making their voices heard. The right to vote, as President Biden says, “remains democracy’s threshold liberty” and these recent elections highlight the strength of Senegal’s institutions. They’re an important example for the region that change and the peaceful transfer of power are possible through free and fair elections.

Second, I underscored that the United States considers Senegal a critical partner in promoting peace and security in West Africa and beyond. Our security partnership with Senegal is robust, incorporating both military cooperation and a deep civilian security relationship that advances rule of law, justice, law enforcement, and border security. In Senegal alone, the United States contributes more than 26 million U.S. dollars annually to support improved security within its borders and in the region. I also commended Senegal’s partnership to combat human and other forms of trafficking, including efforts to hold traffickers criminally accountable and protect victims. We thank Senegal for generously hosting and integrating refugees into local communities – actions that support a more stable and secure region.

And finally, third, the United States stands ready to support President Faye’s justice and anti-corruption work. We have developed deep partnerships with Senegalese police, justice actors, and the gendarmerie, focused on community policing, anti-money laundering, prison reform, and counternarcotics trainings and operations, among other areas.

Also, in inspirational meetings with local officials and representatives of civil society organizations, I underscored that our enduring friendship and collaboration with Senegal are rooted in common values and in a shared vision for a better future for both our nations. The United States looks forward to continuing our vital partnership with the new Senegalese government and people to benefit Senegalese and Americans alike.

Next, I traveled to Conakry, Guinea June 11th to the 13th, where I was honored to engage Prime Minister Bah and Foreign Minister Kouyaté, along with diverse actors across government and within Guinea’s vibrant civil society. The United States places great value on our relationship with Guinea, another partnership forged since independence over 60 years ago. We are proud to be Guinea’s number one development partner, investing more than 50 million U.S. dollars in 2023 alone for health, security, human rights, democracy, and economic growth initiatives. Additionally, through the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability – a 10-year effort across Coastal West Africa with $55 million approved in funding for this year – the United States is working with partners in Guinea to support social cohesion, economic opportunities, and strengthened institutional capacities. Across my meetings with Guinean Government and civil society representatives, I shared three key messages.

First and foremost, the United States remains committed to supporting Guinea’s journey toward democratic governance and stability. Guinea could be a model for successful and inclusive transition to democracy in the subregion provided that it meets the aspirations of the Guinean people for more inclusive, transparent, and rights-respecting governance. And we seek to partner with the government and people to achieve this. This is why Guinea was the first country selected to receive $12.5 million through the White House African Democratic and Political Transitions, or ADAPT, initiative, which provides technical assistance in drafting the constitution and preparing free and fair elections and will support local governments in the judiciary throughout the transition and beyond.

During meetings with Foreign Minister Kouyaté and Prime Minister Bah, we discussed the importance of transparency with the Guinean people, particularly on the timing of the constitutional referendum and elections timetable. To this end, I strongly encourage the transition government to imminently release the draft constitution to the Guinean people, allowing open space for discussion and debate over the nation’s democratic future.

Second, I underscored the importance of press freedom, freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and human rights as fundamental pillars of democracy. I also welcomed the recent ratification of Guinea’s new human trafficking law and encouraged its swift implementation. This important step taken by the Government of Guinea will assist efforts to investigate and prosecute suspected traffickers. I also relayed U.S. concerns about credible reports of Guinean security forces injuring and killing unarmed citizens and protestors. Such violence further divides a nation. Additionally, I conveyed throughout my meetings the crucial role of a free press and fostering transparency, accountability, and an informed citizenry. Suspension of media outlets or cutting of internet or telecommunications connectivity undercuts civilian security in multiple ways as it increases instability and the spread of mis- and disinformation.

Third and finally, in meetings with both Guinean Government and civil society leaders, I commended the ongoing efforts to seek justice for the victims of the September 28, 2009 stadium massacre. The United States urges the Government of Guinea to hold accountable all those responsible for the massacre and to ensure the safety of the brave victims, their loved ones, and the human rights defenders who are on the front lines of this call for justice. At the same time, we continue to urge justice and accountability for all human rights abuses and violations. The United States applauds the tireless efforts of all survivors and advocates who have worked for so many years to lead this fight for justice, and we stand with them. Justice is key to lasting stability and peace.

In closing, I departed Guinea last night grateful for the robust and meaningful engagements and heartened by Guinean resilience and determination to turn the page towards a better future. And with that, I welcome your questions. So back over to you, Johann.

MODERATOR: Thank you, Under Secretary Zeya. We will now begin the question-and-answer portion of today’s briefing.

So for our first question, Under Secretary Zeya, it is related to your recent travel and the broader case of Wast Africa. The question is: “How is the U.S. working with African nations to address the surging cases of conflict and terrorism across the region?”

UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Well, thank you for that. There’s no question that terrorism and conflict threaten countries’ stability, economies, democratic governance, and human rights across the African continent. So this is why the United States is applying a whole-of-government approach to these complex challenges, encompassing the full range of U.S. tools across diplomacy, defense, and development agencies.

First and foremost, our efforts reflect the priorities of our partners and they seek to address both immediate security needs as well as the root causes of instability. So one prime way that we are advancing this is through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, which I mentioned earlier. And so far in my role as under secretary, I’ve had the opportunity to visit three of our African partner SPCPS countries: Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea this week, and earlier Mozambique.

So I’ve met with our partners on the ground, and I’ve seen firsthand the work that’s being done to advance people-centered security, expand economic livelihoods, and foster dialogue among local governments and communities all with an aim towards conflict prevention. Now, through this Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, we have committed more than $350 million so far in Coastal West Africa and Mozambique, and we look forward to continuing to invest in these vital partnerships in years to come.

MODERATOR: Thank you very much. So for our second question, we’d like to go to a Nigerian journalist, Timothy Olanrewaju, from Anadolu Agency in Nigeria. The question is: “What is the U.S. concern about increasing security challenges – terrorism, extremist violence, et cetera – in Africa, and the under secretary’s concern for the civilian population in the region?”

UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Thank you, Johann. This is – there is absolutely ample reason for concern. Just looking at the numbers, violent terrorist-related incidents against civilians have risen 46 percent in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger since 2021, causing a significant increase in displaced persons throughout the region. We’ve seen increasing violent extremist organization activity in or near coastal African states as well. The reality is terrorists know no borders, and instability in the continent, particularly in the Sahel, cannot be addressed without partnerships throughout the region.

This is why we are also very focused on the humanitarian dimension of these threats. According to UNHCR, there will be at least 50 million forcibly displaced people in Sub-Saharan Africa by the end of this year who face extreme hardship. Many of these persons cannot access basic necessities such as food, water, medicine, fuel, electricity, education, or work. Forced displacement is separating families and communities, and many individuals have also been exposed to horrific atrocities.

So the United States is working through humanitarian partners operating in virtually every country on the African continent to provide services such as protection, health care, shelter, water, sanitation, mental health services, and education through their programming. In Fiscal Year 2023 – through the State Department’s Bureau of Populations, Refugees, and Migration, which I’m proud to oversee – the United States provided nearly $1.2 billion – $1.2 billion, I’ll repeat – in humanitarian assistance on the African continent.

So we are working with the international community and calling on other partners to step up and increase their support as new crises emerge and the threat of terrorism and extremism persist. The millions affected by this violence deserve peace, so we urge all nations to work together with us to face this shared threat.

MODERATOR: Thank you, Under Secretary. Just as a reminder to the journalists, we are hoping that you will join us and ask questions, but we do ask you please to type your question into the Q&A box and make sure that we – make sure you identify yourself, your location, and your news agency. That way, we’ll know who you are.

Thank you very much for that question, for that last answer. So the next question that we have pre-submitted was: “Do you have a comment on the ECOWAS chairman’s visit to Guinea this week?”

UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Thank you. Yes. The United States welcomes the ECOWAS chairman’s visit to Conakry to – this week to engage Guinean Government officials on the transition process. For our part, the United States believes that collaborative efforts through regional organizations like ECOWAS play a crucial role in fostering peace, security, and economic development. So the United States Government is absolutely committed to working with ECOWAS to promote stability, democracy, and prosperity among ECOWAS members and throughout the region. So we look forward to continued collaboration with partners in the region, including ECOWAS, to address shared challenges.

MODERATOR: Okay. Thank you very much. So our next question comes to us live from Frédéric Ntakimazi from Ejo Magazine in Burundi. And the question is: “In some African countries, democracy is when citizens have the right to vote for their leaders. I would like to know the characteristics of a democratic country.” Under Secretary?

UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Thank you, Frédéric, for such a thoughtful question. Well, there certainly is no one-size-fits-all approach to democracy, or – I think democracy can vary in its forms in many different parts of the world, but there are some common characteristics. And I quoted President Biden earlier calling free and fair elections the threshold of democracy. Certainly that is a critical aspect, but not the only one. The respect for universal human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of religion or belief – these are all core and elemental characteristics of democratic society. I think another very important aspect are democratic institutions that have integrity and that are ultimately accountable to the people, and not simply manipulated by those in power to enrich themselves, or exert control, or in the worst case abuse their own population. So one last observation I would make in my work as under secretary and my responsibilities helping strengthen democratic institutions and actors around the world is we see an absolutely strong demand signal for democracy on the African continent. I think reliable, independent surveys from Afrobarometer other sources show overwhelming support across the African continent for more democracy.

In the end, I think many of us would maintain that democracy is itself a continuous journey, a continuous effort to deliver for all one’s citizens. It’s not a static state of affairs or destination. So all of us, and including in the United States, continually work to improve our democracy and perfect it. Thank you.

MODERATOR: Thank you very much, Under Secretary Zeya. So I think we have time for just one more question, and we do have a question from Malick Kane of Afrig Mag in Senegal. And the question is: “Given the USA is strengthening the genetic, cultural, and historic ties with Africa, are President Biden and VP Kamala Harris ready to back off the longtime Gorée Memorial project by funding it? Also, are they concerned by the safeguarding of the UNESCO designated island of Gorée that Under Secretary Uzra Zeya is visiting also?”

UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Well, thank you, Malick, for another very thoughtful question. And I would say that the United States is proud to support projects that preserve important cultural heritage sites like Gorée Island. And as I mentioned in my opening remarks, I was profoundly moved by that visit and was absolutely impressed by the safeguarding and preservation efforts that have been undertaken for so many years and allowed this to become a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Our own support, I think, is evidenced in a positive development. This week a U.S. team from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. is on Gorée Island with their partners from Senegal’s Institut Fondamental d’Afrique Noire to collaborate on a long-running project focused on training Senegalese archaeology students and other experts in areas related to cultural heritage conservation.

So although the State Department doesn’t have plans to fund the Gorée Memorial at this time, we absolutely appreciate its significance as a site, as a UNESCO World Heritage site, that brings people together to reflect on the legacy of slavery and Africa’s ties with its diaspora. And I myself am proud to have followed such a distinguished line of American visitors – including Presidents Bush, President Clinton, President Obama, and most recently Secretary Yellen – in visiting Gorée Island.

For our part, the United States will continue to work with our Senegalese partners to ensure that Gorée Island remains a valuable place to remember the past, to honor the millions of victims of the transatlantic slave trade, and to uphold the enduring universal value of human dignity.

MODERATOR: All right, thank you very much, Under Secretary Zeya. You’ve been very generous with your time. I do realize that you are in the midst of travel, though, and your time is limited. Do you have any final remarks for us today?

UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Absolutely, Johann. I’ve – I want to thank you and all of our participants who joined us today. And to sum up, advancing democracy, good governance, and respect for human rights are at the center of U.S. partnership with Senegal, Guinea, and across West Africa and the African continent. The road ahead is long and the challenges are many, but we are a determined and deep-rooted friend and partner. Thank you.

MODERATOR: Well, thank you very much, Under Secretary Zeya. And thank you very much to all the journalists who joined us today. So that does conclude today’s briefing. I want to thank under – the U.S. Department of State’s Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, for joining us. A recording and transcript of today’s briefing will be distributed to participating journalists as soon as we can produce them. If you have any questions about today’s briefing, you may contact the Africa Regional Media Hub at [email protected].

I’d like to also add that we will be producing a transcript in French. I would like to invite everyone to follow us on Twitter at our handle @AfricaMediaHub. So once again, thank you to all of our participants, and thank you to our hosts today and our speaker. And I wish you all a good day and good weekend.

UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Thank you.

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[1] Url: https://www.state.gov/digital-press-briefing-with-the-under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights-uzra-zeya/

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