On Friday, 11th of August, Ambassador Nikki Haley met with Ambassador Ignace Gata Mavita wa Lufuta, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations. During the meeting, Ambassador Haley noted the United States’ concerns about the reports of child soldiers and human rights violations coming out of the DRC, especially from the Kasai region.
Ambassador Haley and Ambassador Gata Mavita wa Lufuta, in the meeting, discussed that it was important to end the cycle of violence and hold perpetrators of these crimes to account.
The meeting further brought about the discussion of the status of the DRC’s national elections, which remained pending, and Ambassador Haley underscored the need for the DRC to set a date for elections as soon as possible.
She expressed her commitment to support the DRC in their efforts to address the significant humanitarian issues the country faces. Ambassador Haley and Ambassador Gata Mavita wa Lufuta expressed their shared concerns for the safety and welfare of the Congolese people and emphasized the importance of improving human rights in the DRC.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Mission to South Africa is pleased to announce the arrival of the new Consul General to lead the Consulate General in Cape Town. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jessica Lapenn welcomed Consul General Virginia Blaser to the country on the 6th of August.
Consul General Blaser, who served over a decade as a three-time Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires in Mauritius, the Seychelles, Uganda and Tanzania, brings extensive experience from across the continent, where she led key U.S. Embassies, promoting trade and investment, empowering women and young leaders, and supporting entrepreneurship and the creative economy.
Her leadership is therefore certain to advance relations between Americans and residents of the Cape provinces.
Correspondent: Ridwan A Olayiwola
