Remarks by Ambassador Wills at lauch of Africa Endeavor 2011

Balaclava, November 8, 2010:

It gives me immense pleasure to be here today for the Opening Ceremony of the Initial Planning Conference for Africa Endeavor.
 
When I see all of you present here today, representing your country, I am reminded of President Obama’s commitment to Africa.  Last year, in Accra, President Obama highlighted a simple truth about the United States’ commitment to Africa. Africa’s prosperity can expand America’s prosperity.  Africa’s health and security can contribute to the world’s health and security.  And the strength of Africa’s democracy can help advance human rights for people everywhere. 

The United States strongly believes in partnering with other nations to stimulate economic growth, build regional security and empower individuals to contribute to the prosperity and stability of their countries and our own.  The U.S. National Security Strategy states clearly that, and I quote:

“The United States will initiate long-term investments that recognize and reward governments that demonstrate the capacity and political will to pursue sustainable development strategies and ensure that all policy instruments at our disposal are harnessed to these ends. And we will provide our support in multiple ways—by strengthening the ability of gov¬ernments and communities to manage development challenges and investing in strong institutions that foster the democratic accountability that helps sustain development. This will expand the circle of nations—particularly in Africa—who are capable of reaping the benefits of the global economy, while contributing to global security and prosperity.”

Africa Endeavor is one example of our investment in global security in partnership with the African continent. Through Africa Endeavor, the United States seeks to build the capacity of African nations to exchange information through compatible communication networks.  These networks will not only facilitate communication on the continent but form the basis for collaborative links with the United States, African Union and other international partners.   Future efforts to provide humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and effective peacekeeping missions depend on the combined efforts of the nations and multilateral organizations represented here today. By taking part in this event today, you are demonstrating a commitment to harness the power of effective communication to ensure the long-term peace, stability, and prosperity of the African continent.  I commend you for that!

The outlook for peace and security has improved in today’s Africa and we have all witnessed significant progress in regional cooperation and integration through the efforts of the African Union and its regional integration organizations.  It is also true that in the post-financial crisis environment, Africa is showing signs of economic recovery much better than those of most of the rest of the world.

However, let us make no mistake --- Africa still faces numerous challenges. Certainly, peace and security need to be strengthened; economic recovery needs to rise above fundamental challenges such as food security, climate change, and deficits in social services including health and education.  And, disaster unfortunately can happen at any time.  For example, just last week, we learned with sadness about the flooding  in Ghana which left hundreds of houses and farms destroyed  and more than 700,000 people displaced.  Ghana's Interior Minister, Martin Amidu, described the flood as a national disaster that had stretched the country beyond its response mechanism and contingency plans and called upon Ghana's partners for assistance.  Good communication and information sharing are vital in working together in addressing such urgent cirumstances.

Africa’s challenges, it energy, and determination are related to your presence here today and to the objective of this conference – which is, to better equip you all with the knowledge and capacity to address crises more efficiently and effectively. 

Africa has ground to make up to build its institutional and human capacity in order to guarantee continued and sustainable growth in the continent.  And, as President Obama said in his speech in Accra:

“America will be with you every step of the way -- as a partner, as a friend. Opportunity won’t come from any other place, though. It must come from the decisions that all of you make, the things that you do, the hope that you hold in your heart. “

I thank you for your attention and wish you a productive conference.