Good morning! I'm really excited to be joining you to discuss Secretary Clinton's most recent trip. This was one of the Secretary's most exciting trip overseas. In 11 days, she visited 9 countries and made 13 stops! Her speech in Cape Town on August 8 really underscored not only the relationship between the United States and Africa but also relayed personal notes.

Over the next several months, African states, including Kenya, Angola, Togo, and others, will hold national elections, which have frequently functioned as a flashpoint for civil conflict and instability. How can US policy strengthen African efforts to prevent electoral violence?

Thank for your excellent question! Africa will have over two dozen important elections in the next two years. Governments have to be accountable to the people. We are promoting democratic values and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard at the ballot box. We work with local civil society groups, government institutions, and international experts to promote open transparent electoral processes.

How is the US department of states is trying to handle the long standing and not yet resolved conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea ?

This is a very complex and tragic conflict. The EEBC made a decision on the border demarkation. But, in addition there are other issues to resolve both political and economic divisions between the two countries before we can have a lasting peace.

How can the US encourage a more holistic interaction between civil society actors and African governments? How can we encourage these governments to engage with all groups within their borders--for example the Banyamulenge in Eastern Congo and the Acholi in Uganda?

Thank for your excellent question. Our investment/assistance goes through local NGOs and civil society groups in Africa. We believe building local civil society groups in key to their development in ending violence and promoting opportunities. We are working with local civil society groups on the examples that you cite but also with regional states to promote peace to give these groups a greater chance of success.

Mr Donald, we appreciate your time and answers you gave us. it is very hard to answer all those great questions concers in one hour or so, it is possible to hold small group discusion in some particular area(region) one at time and discuss our state department's role.
again I thank your time and effort to update and answers some our concerned questions.
thanks again

Thank-you so much for your tireless work. Great Job well done!

I love that the State Department is so tuned in to social media. It's been fantastic to see Secretary Clinton and the team out representing the country and to have a better idea of what daily life looks like for her and the rest of the department. Thanks for being so open to share!