Thursday, May 21, 2009

Key U.S. NGO Figure and I talk about Election Reform

Over the last three days I had the privilege, with IFESH President Dr. Julie Sullivan, of listening to issues from over 100 representatives of Nigerian civil society from all over the country expressing their views about the need for progress on key Nigerian democracy issues from election reform, building voter awareness and women's issues, to helping young people. On the Niger Delta, protecting civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict and finding a peaceful comprehensive settlement to issues so that education and development can thrive was extensively discussed. The U.S. Government helps in development in Nigeria, including in the Delta, and calls for the protection of all civilian lives.

Related story: U.S. Ambassador Hosts Second Series of Civil Society Forums on the Values of Democracy and Election Reforms (Abuja, Monday May 19, 2009)