BY JIBRIL TURE

U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE ANTONY BLINKEN SPEAKS WITH KENYA’S FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER RAYCHELLE OMANO

In a statement attributed to the U.S. State Department’s spokesperson, Ned Price, on Thursday, May 26, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke on Wednesday, May 25, with Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Raychelle Omamo. The two top diplomats “discussed steps to address the impact of rising global food insecurity on Africa, following discussions in New York last week at the Global Food Security Call to Action Ministerial.” Secretary Blinken “stressed that the United States remains a partner in finding durable solutions to the crisis. He also underscored the U.S. desire to galvanize international action and work together to ensure multilateral institutions serve the interests of all nations.” The two officials discussed the value both of their countries place on their strong bilateral relationship. Click here to read more

UNITED STATES OFFERS REWARD FOR THE ARREST OF TWO KENYAN CRIMINALS

In a statement attributed to the U.S. State Department’s spokesperson, Ned Price, on Thursday, May 26, the U.S. Department of State is offering rewards of up to $1 million each for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of two fugitive Kenyan nationals, Abdi Hussein Ahmed and Badru Abdul Aziz Saleh, for participating in, or conspiring to participate in, transnational organized crime.” Ahmed faces charges in the United States for wildlife trafficking in violation of the Lacey Act. He is also charged with “conspiracy to commit wildlife trafficking in violation of the Endangered Species Act and Lacey Act.” Fugitives Ahmed and Saleh have also been charged in the United States with conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Any information in response to the reward offer regarding Ahmed or Saleh should be directed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at +1-844-FWS-TIPS (+1-844-397-8477), Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations at +254(0)80072220 or by email at FWS_TIPS@fws.gov. Click here to read more:

U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY ANNE A. WITKOWSKY TRAVELS TO GHANA

In a statement attributed to the U.S. State Department’s spokesperson, Ned Price, on Wednesday, May 25, the department announced the planned two-day visit to Ghana by U.S. Assistant Secretary Anne A. Witkowsky to Ghana, from May 25 to 27. The statement reads: “Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO) Anne A. Witkowsky is visiting Accra on her first trip to Africa as CSO Assistant Secretary to underscore the importance of the U.S.-Ghana bilateral relationship.  While there, the Assistant Secretary will meet with local and international counterparts as well as a diverse set of stakeholders to focus attention on regional, national, and locally driven initiatives for conflict prevention and peacebuilding.” Click here to read more

U.S. GOVERNMENT ISSUES A BUSINESS ADVISORY FOR SUDAN

In a statement attributed to the U.S. State Department’s spokesperson, Ned Price, on Monday, May 23, the Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce, and Labor today issued a business advisory on Sudan, highlighting the growing reputational risks to U.S. businesses and individuals associated with conducting business with Sudanese State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) and military-controlled companies.

“These risks arise from, among other things, recent actions undertaken by Sudan’s Sovereign Council and security forces under the military’s command, including and especially serious human rights abuse against protesters. While certain risks predate the country’s October 2021 military takeover, the takeover and the military’s actions since then have exacerbated them and could adversely impact U.S. businesses and individuals and their operations in Sudan.”

The statement asks businesses and individuals operating in Sudan to “undertake increased due diligence related to human rights issues and be aware of the potential reputational risks of conducting business activities and/or transactions with SOEs and military-controlled companies.” The statement addsthat “U.S. businesses and individuals should also take care to avoid interaction with any persons listed on the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Controls’(OFAC) list of Specially Designated Nationals  and Blocked Persons (SDN List).” Click here to read more