The United States, through the Department of State, will appoint Ambassador Johnnie Carson as Special Presidential Representative for U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Implementation to coordinate implementation efforts of the recently concluded U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC.
Ambassador Carson’s appointment was announced Saturday Afternoon in a White House Press Statement seen by Abuja Politico.
The appointment, The White House says, is to follow through on the U.S. commitments during the Summit which held from December 13 to 15th in DC.
“The Biden administration is establishing a new Special Presidential Representative for U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Implementation to coordinate implementation efforts. This senior position will ensure this strengthened partnership manifests not only in word but also in deed”, the statement says.
Ambassador Carson served in Nigeria almost two decades ago and has had a 37-year career in African diplomacy, serving as the former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and Ambassador to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Earlier in his career, he also served in Botswana, and Mozambique, and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania.
Ambassador Carson will coordinate with U.S. and African governments, civil society, the private sector, and diaspora representatives to ensure that the important dialogues that began during the Summit lead to durable action. He will also work with a wide range of stakeholders to explore mechanisms for future high-level engagement.
What U.S committed to at the Summit:
At the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, held from December 13-15, 2022 in Washington DC:
– President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to deepening and expanding the U.S.
– partnerships with African countries to better meet the shared challenges and opportunities of our era.
– The Summit reaffirmed the U.S. resolve to work collaboratively with African governments, businesses, and publics to strengthen people-to-people ties,
– ensure more inclusive and responsive global institutions,
– build a strong and sustainable global economy,
– foster new technology and innovation,
– strengthen health systems and prepare for the next pandemic,
– tackle the food security and climate crises,
– support democracy and human rights,
– and advance peace and security
