The United States Builds a School in Djibidione in the Casamance

U.S. Ambassador to Senegal Marcia S. Bernicat presided over the January 19 opening ceremony of a school that the Americans financed for the village of Djibidione, 60 km from Ziguinchor.  The ceremony was attended by Mr. Cheikh Tidiane Dieng, Governor of the region, and many other civilian, military and academic authorities.  At a cost of 125 million CFA francs, the school consists of 8 classrooms, including computer and science rooms, an administrative block, a multidisciplinary sports space and restroom facilities.  The school will serve fifty-nine villages, with students coming from as far as twenty kilometers away.  This project is the result of community involvement and the support of USAID Ziguinchor and the Academy for Educational Development (AED).  In an interview, Ambassador Bernicat said that the United States supports peace in the Casamance and added that with the arrival of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, investments will increase throughout the country.

U.S. Ambassador Visits Khalif General of the Mourides

On December 16, 2009, Her Excellence Marcia S. Bernicat, U.S. Ambassador to Senegal, paid a courtesy visit to the Khalif General of the Mouride Brotherhood, Serigne Bara Mbacke.  During the meeting with Serigne Bara, Ambassador Bernicat expounded upon the positive contribution of the Mouride community to the cultural and religious diversity of Americans.  She reiterated the availability of the U.S. Embassy to provide a wide range of services to strengthen the ties between Touba and the United States.  Ambassador Bernicat also visited Al Azhar Institute during her visit to Tour where Serigne Mame Mor Mbacke gave her a warm welcome along with all of the students and teachers.  This visit was part of Ambassador Bernicat’s overall aim to reinforce ties and mutual understanding between the U.S. diplomatic mission and the different communities within Senegal.

The United States Embassy Participates in the 12th Annual FILDAK Book Fair

The U.S. Embassy upheld tradition by attending the 12th Annual FILDAK Book Fair in partnership with New Horizons Editions, which is a U.S. government program that translates American authors into French, many of them best-sellers.  The topics covered are mainly social science and American society, but also  include science and technology.

The FILDAK provides an excellent opportunity for the U.S. Embassy Cultural Office to share with the public information about its programs and resources.  Thus, in addition to the daily organization of a quiz about the United States and the environment with prizes for the winners, the staff answered questions from students about studying in the United States, and offered a chance for visitors to take a picture with the cut-out image of President Obama posted at the entrance of the booth.

World AIDS Day: U.S. Reaffirms Global Commitment in Fight Against HIV/AIDS

December 1 is World AIDS Day, an opportunity to join in a spirit of remembrance for those who have been lost to this disease, compassion for those who are suffering today, and commitment to help others remain free from infection. In Dakar, a red ribbon commemorating World AIDS Day hangs on the front of the auditorium of the United States Embassy, on a busy street downtown. The United States, through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, leads the world in turning the tide against HIV/AIDS.

- Presidential Proclamation on World AIDS Day

U.S. Embassy Celebrates International Education Week

From November 15th to 19th, the U.S. Embassy in Dakar celebrated International Education Week in Senegal. Several activities were organized to mark the event. In Dakar, discussion sessions conducted by the Public Affairs Section were held at the Library of Yoff, at Suffolk University, at the African Management Institute and at the Institution Sainte Jeanne d’Arc. English teachers gathered for a film.  The Regional English Language Office organized teacher development workshops, class visits and English club activities in the remote eastern areas of Tambacounda, Kedougou and Salemata, 500 to 800 kms away from the capital city.  More than 300 instructors and students attended the events.  Many reference books, easy readers, and dictionaries were donated to schools that are in desperate need of teaching materials.  These events  allowed participants to have better information on the U.S. educational system, college application and student visa procedures.

Senegalese Teachers Prepare for Five Months in The U.S.

On Monday, October 26, 2009,  the Dakar Public Affairs Section conducted a pre-departure orientation in the American Information Center for five “International Leaders in Education Program” (ILEP) finalists from Senegal. The ILEP helps further mutual understanding between people of different nations during a semester-long program. The program provides a five-month professional development program at a U.S. university combining academic seminars with an eight-week internship in a U.S. secondary school.  The five teachers from Senegal will go to Minnesota, South Carolina (2), Kentucky and Alabama in January 2010.  Last year, the first year for ILEP in Senegal, five teachers from Senegal also attended the ILEP program and have now returned to Senegal and are sharing their experiences in their secondary schools.

USAID Releases Funds to Tackle Poverty in Senegal

On October 16, U.S. Ambassador Marcia Bernicat signed an agreement with Senegalese Minister of Economy and Finances, Abdoulaye Diop.  The $93 million grant aims at helping Senegal tackle poverty through key economic sectors such as economic growth, health, education, and the peace process in the Casamance.  “We have increased our aid for Senegal to 80% compared to last year; this increase is due to the reinforcement of USAID programming, especially in the agriculture sector,” noted Ambassador Bernicat.

The sectors targeted by this funding include health, education, economic growth and peace building in Casamance.

52 New Peace Corps Volunteers Take Office 

On October 16, a group of 52 Peace Corps volunteers were sworn in after nine weeks of technical, language and cultural trainings at the Thiès-based training center.  The Director of the Office for the Reform of the State, Abdou Karim Lô, representing the Senegalese government, praised the positive role played by these “soldiers for the development of peace and solidarity,” as he called the Peace Corps volunteers.
There are over 160 volunteers throughout the country involved in health, environmental education, agriculture and the development of small and medium size businesses. 

USADF Signs Four Grants to Support Economic Development in Senegal

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) has signed four grants to support grassroots groups in the Casamance Region of Senegal.  The grants will benefit GIE Baracuda, GIE Fouta Dindefello, GIE Mere Theresa Kédegou, and Le Directoire Regional des Femmes en Elevage – Kolda (DIRFEL).

After signing the grants, USADF President Lloyd Pierson stated, “USADF serves the most marginalized populations in Africa.  With these grants, USADF is funding economic development for those who otherwise would have limited to no access to jobs and higher incomes.”   more

President Obama’s Eid ul-Fitr Message

As Muslims in the United States and around the world complete the month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, Michelle and I would like to extend our personal greetings on this joyous occasion. Eid is a time to celebrate the completion of 30 days and nights of devotion. But even on this festive occasion, Muslims remember those less fortunate, including those impacted by poverty, hunger, conflict, and disease. Throughout the month, Muslim communities collect and distribute zakat-ul-fitr so that all Muslims are able to participate in this day of celebration. As I said in Cairo, my Administration is working to ensure that Muslims are able to fulfill their charitable obligations not just during Ramadan, but throughout the year. On behalf of the American people, we congratulate Muslims in the United States and around the world on this blessed day. Eid Mubarak.
- Secretary Clinton's Eid-ul-Fitr Message

U.S. Press Statement Regarding Transition in Guinea-Bissau

The Government of the United States of America congratulates the government and people of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau for the free and fair presidential elections that resulted in the election of Mr. Malam Bacai Sanhá.  The Government of the United States further congratulates the government and people of Guinea-Bissau for a successful transition to the new Sanhá Presidency.   We are particularly pleased that President Sanhá and former President Koumba Yala have indicated a mutual willingness to work together in this troubled period in the country’s history.  We also congratulate interim-President Pereira for his skillful handling of a difficult transition period over the last six months...  full text       em português

USTR Ambassador Kirk Visits Senegal

On August 10, USTR Ambassador Ron Kirk held a joint press conference with Senegalese Minister of Commerce Amadou Niang in Dakar, during which he said, “to be competitive in a globalized world, in addition to product quality, you must have good infrastructure.”  Ambassador Kirk indicated that Senegal is on the right path because of its level of democracy and amount of infrastructure, but despite these advances the country could do better.  He also said that Senegal could benefit greatly from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) adopted in 2000.  The Ambassador is visiting Dakar after first traveling to Nairobi, Kenya, for the AGOA conference.

Clinton Plans Seven-Nation Africa Trip

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton began a seven-nation trip to Africa on August 4 to highlight the U.S. commitment to sub-Saharan Africa’s economic development, while also emphasizing Africa as a place of opportunity, State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said.
Clinton began the visit at the 8th U.S.-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, better known as the AGOA Forum (named for the African Growth and Opportunity Act), in Nairobi, Kenya, Kelly said in a July 27 press statement. Clinton will continue her travels with visits to South Africa, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Liberia and Cape Verde. more

The United States Celebrates its July 4 Independence Day

July 4 is the United States’ Independence Day, dating back to when its founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Americans celebrate Independence Day by organizing parades, fireworks, concerts, etc.
Here in Dakar, the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence of the United States was celebrated the day before, on Friday July 3, 2009, at the home of the Ambassador.  Her Excellence, Madame Marcia S. Bernicat idealized the relationship between Dakar and Washington. Amongst the future axes of cooperation between the country and Senegal, she particularly cited the collaboration to maintain peace and the fight against malaria and HIV-AIDS as priorities. Senegal was represented at the party by Mr. Djibo Ka, Minister of the State, Minister of the Environment, Environmental Protection, Retention Basins and Artificial Lakes.
- President Obama’s Fourth of July Message

Commander of AFRICOM Visits Senegal

U.S. General William E. “Kip” Ward, commander of AFRICOM (United States Africa Command), visited Senegal from June 24-26, 2009. During his stay, he talked with Senegalese military leaders about various subjects of shared interests such as bilateral cooperation, maritime security, and initiatives to fight drug trafficking. General Ward also met with the press, with whom he answered questions concerning military cooperation and security between the United States and Africa, the fight against international terrorism, peace operations, civilian-military programs meant for civilian populations in need of them, etc. In particular, he asserted that the mission of his organization is not to prevent conflicts, but to support countries in reinforcing their capabilities.
General Ward has commanded AFRICOM since October 1, 2007. AFRICOM works for a fruitful partnership between the United States and 53 African nations to institute security and stability on the continent. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, AFRICOM is one of six major geographic Unified Combatant Command areas of the Department of Defense.

Obama Trip Reflects New U.S. Commitment, Vision

President Obama will deliver a speech from Cairo University on June 4 outlining his personal commitment to engagement with the Muslim world, based upon mutual interests and mutual respect, and will discuss how the United States and Muslim communities around the world can bridge some of the differences that have divided them. His commitment to engage the Muslim world began with his inaugural address.
The home of speech co-hosts Al Azhar University and Cairo University, Cairo is a city at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, and as such provides a fitting venue for speaking directly to Muslim communities across the globe. more      
   - President Obama’s Remarks at Cairo University, Egypt

USA/Senegal Cooperation: MCC Releases $13.9 Million for Senegalese Projects

On April 1, Mr. Jay Smith, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America to Senegal, and Mr. Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Economy and Finance, signed an agreement with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to finance various infrastructure and agricultural projects, in the amount of $13.9 million.
U.S. - Senegal cooperation has resulted in success stories in several fields, including health, education, economic growth and peace. American aid totaled $51 million during fiscal year 2008.

The United States Embassy Helps Women to Promote Peace in Casamance

In collaboration with the NGO World Education, the U.S. Embassy in Dakar financed the installation of a community radio through its "Self Help" program for the women in the village Sindian (region of Ziguinchor). This community radio will serve as a way for people to transcend their ethnic differences and to change their behavior.
With the involvement of the village women, the community radio has helped to promote tolerance and assist in the quest for a sustainable and lasting peace in the region.  In fact, the women have a great influence on their communities because they are the mothers and sisters.
With the financial support of the U.S. government, World Education is also working with other rural communities within Ziguinchor and Kolda to create additional community radio stations to transmit messages of peace in national languages.

U.S. Ambassador Marcia S. Bernicat Presents Credentials to President Abdoulaye Wade

Marcia S. Bernicat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Senegal, presented her credentials to His Excellency President Abdoulaye Wade in Dakar on August 6, 2008.
Madam Bernicat arrived in Dakar on July 24, 2008. She was confirmed by the Senate in early June, 2008. She is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, and has most recently served as country director of the Office of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka Affairs in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the Department of State. Prior to this, she was director of the Senior Level Division of Career Development and Assignments in the Bureau of Human Resources at the Department of State. She has also served in France, Mali, India, Morocco, Malawi and Barbados.