U.S. Government
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:18
The United States established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Djibouti in 1977, following its independence from France, and had consular representation in the former colony of French Somaliland since 1929. Since independence, Djibouti has had two presidents -- Hassan Gouled Aptidon, was first elected in 1977 and ruled for 22 years until the current president, Ismail Omar Guelleh, was elected in 1999. The country had a single legal party from 1981 to 1992. Additional political parties became legal and formed beginning in 1992. The country’s nearly decade-long internal conflict between the government and a rebel group officially ended in 2001.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:16
The United States established diplomatic relations with Ethiopia in 1903. Italy, which had neighboring possessions in Africa, invaded and occupied Ethiopia from 1935 until its expulsion in 1941 during World War II. The United States never publicly recognized Italian authority in Ethiopia. After Ethiopia's 1974 revolution, U.S.-Ethiopian relations began to cool due to the government's linkage with international communism and U.S. revulsion at its human rights abuses. Bilateral relations improved with the 1991 downfall of Ethiopia's regime.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:14
The United States established diplomatic relations with Gabon in 1960 following Gabon’s independence from France. Relations between the United States and Gabon are excellent. The United States welcomes the reforms that Gabon is making to bring more transparency and accountability to government, while at the same time urging Gabon to take bold steps to root out corruption and to reform the judiciary and other key institutions to ensure the protection of human rights. The United States applauds Gabon's efforts to increase regional cooperation on environmental issues. Gabon and the United States share a commitment to diversify and strengthen Gabon's economy, expand bilateral trade, ensure security in the Gulf of Guinea, and combat trafficking.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:13
The United States established diplomatic relations with Lesotho in 1966, following its independence from the United Kingdom. Post-independence, the country saw a mix of rule by decree, coups, outside military intervention, and democratic government. Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy that faces challenges including poverty, income distribution inequality, and one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world. Since independence, Lesotho and the United States have had productive bilateral relations. U.S. foreign policy priorities in Lesotho focus on achieving the development of a stable, prosperous, and healthy country.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:12
The United States established diplomatic relations with Liberia in 1864 following its independence from the American Colonization Society, an organization that resettled free African-Americans and freed slaves in Liberia. A 1980 coup ended the one-party rule that dated from independence in 1847. From 1989 to 2003, the country saw civil war, misrule, and rebellion. Elections held in 2005 and 2011 were declared free and fair.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:10
U.S.-Namibian relations are friendly. The United States participated in the diplomatic efforts to bring about Namibia's 1990 independence from South Africa and has since provided assistance to improve the well being of the Namibian people. The bilateral relationship is characterized by a shared commitment to democratic principles, including the rule of law and respect for human rights, and has been strengthened through programs to alleviate poverty and promote greater trade ties. The United States and Namibia are partners in the effort to improve health services, strengthen education, and expand trade and development opportunities.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:09
The United States established diplomatic relations with Rwanda in 1962, following its independence from a Belgian-administered trusteeship. From 1990 to 1994, the country saw civil war and genocide. The United States seeks to help Rwanda meet the needs of its population, including increased social cohesion in a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Rwanda that provides good governance and an economically enabling environment. The United States supports Rwandan efforts to increase democratic participation, enhance respect for civil and political rights, and improve the quality and learning outcomes of basic education. Rwanda is one of the world’s poorest countries, but it has made progress in developing national and local government institutions, maintaining security, promoting reconciliation, and strengthening the justice system.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:08
The United States established diplomatic relations with South Africa in 1929, following the United Kingdom's recognition of South Africa's domestic and external autonomy within the British Empire. Until the 1990s, the South African Government followed a policy of white domination over the majority-black population, and racial separation (apartheid). From the 1970s through the early 1990s, U.S.-South Africa relations were severely affected by South Africa's racial policies.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:06
The United States recognized South Sudan as a sovereign, independent state on July 9, 2011 following its secession from Sudan. The United States played a key role in helping create the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that laid the groundwork for the 2011 independence referendum and secession. Several disputes between Sudan and South Sudan remain unresolved post-independence, including the management of oil resources and the status of the Abyei region. The United States supports the efforts of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel to help the parties work through these issues.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:04
The United States established diplomatic relations with Sudan in 1956, following its independence from joint administration by Egypt and the United Kingdom. Sudan broke diplomatic relations with the United States in 1967 after the start of the Arab-Israeli War. Relations were reestablished in 1972. In the 1990s, The Sudanese Government’s links with international terrorist organizations led the United States to designate Sudan in 1993 as a state sponsor of terrorism and to suspend U.S. Embassy operations in 1996. The U.S. Embassy was reopened in 2002. Sudan has provided concrete cooperation against international terrorism since the September 11, 2001 terrorist strikes against the United States.