I am pleased to chair this hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as we consider the following nominations: Dwight Bush to be Ambassador to Morocco; Mark Bradley Childress to be Ambassador to Tanzania; Thomas Daughton to be Ambassador to Namibia; Matthew Harrington to be Ambassador to Lesotho; Eunice Reddick to be Ambassador to Niger; John Hoover to be Ambassador to Sierra Leone; and Michael Hoza to be Ambassador to Cameroon.
Before we begin more formally I want to address the horrific attacks in Kenya. My prayers are with those we have lost, the security forces, the people of Kenya, and with all who have been touched by this event. The United States stands firmly with the people of Kenya as they move forward from this unconscionable act of terror and we will continue to assist the Kenyon government in responding to this attack and ensuring that those who are responsible are brought to justice.
It is my hope that this incident will remind all of us of the value of our alliances around the world and of those who are willing to stand with us and take actions, and take risks, in the global effort against terrorism.
I welcome each of the nominees and their family members who are here to support them. I also welcome my colleague and Africa sub-committee ranking member Senator Flake, and I expect we may see some other members of the committee this morning.
Today we consider nominees for seven different diplomatic assignments and I will briefly touch on the relevant countries.
Cameroon has a strong record of stability, but it has come at the cost of democracy and opportunity for its citizens that presents some challenges for long-term prospects.
Namibia has achieved upper income status, but works through the lingering legacy of apartheid.
Sierra Leone has made very significant strides since emerging from a brutal civil war, but remains challenged by poverty.
Tanzania has shown a strong commitment to democratic principles and benefits from a wide array of U.S. assistance, but some weak institutions, poverty, and corruption remain persistent.
Lesotho appears to have successfully embraced democracy after a tumultuous transition. It is an AGOA success story, especially in the textile sector, but that success has bypassed many Basotho, and more than a third of Lesotho’s children suffer from malnutrition.
Niger has restored constitutional rule following the 2010 coup and its leadership has sought to include diverse voices, but it is vulnerable to a wide range of threats, both domestic and international.
Morocco is a steady ally and has signed a Free Trade Agreement with the United States, but the unresolved status of Western Sahara continues to present some governance and human rights challenges.
As my colleagues on the Committee know, I am convinced that the United States must deepen and diversify U.S. engagement with the leaders and people of Africa. Some of these countries we are discussing today are most often seen through the lens of two-dimensional cartoons or clichés, both positive and negative. But countries are not simple clichés. Each deserves our attention, support and respect as we work to advance economic development, security, and democracy, both for their benefit and the benefit of U.S. interests. Investing in the success of African countries is good for both Africans and Americans.
The nominees before us today bring a wealth of foreign policy and public service experience. I am interested in hearing their views on how they can help build these partnerships.
Dwight Bush has excelled in the world of business and finance and serves on the board of many nonprofits including the GAVI Alliance, which is reaching millions with lifesaving vaccines and immunizations. I am confident he will apply his expertise to managing U.S. bilateral relations with Morocco.
Mark Childress brings strong insights on law, health, labor, agriculture, and minority rights, all of which are important elements of Tanzania’s development and our enduring bilateral relationship.
Thomas Daughton has most recently served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Beirut, during which he was immersed in sensitive security and development issues. These are important qualifications for any Chief of Mission charged with protecting American citizens abroad, but I imagine he may also be looking forward to the opportunity to handle the more diverse set of issues Namibia will present.
Mathew Harrington has demonstrated a deep commitment to Africa, from his service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mauritania to serving as Deputy Chief of Mission in Windhoek and Lomé, and assignments focused on Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Ghana. He is eminently qualified to represent our interests in Lesotho.
Ambassador Eunice Reddick brings a deep understanding of the difficult and complex challenges and threats facing Niger and U.S. policy in the Sahel, having most recently served as Director for the Office of West African Affairs. Her experience with the Sahel and previous service as ambassador in Gabon make her an excellent choice to lead our mission in Niamey.
John Hoover has served around the globe, from Paris to Beijing to Nairobi, covering consular, economic, security, and political affairs. These skills would serve him well in the complex and dynamic environment of Sierra Leone as they seek to move sustainably and decisively past a history of conflict.
Michael Hoza has served as a Management Counselor in Nairobi and Moscow, two of our largest and most complex embassies in the world, and as Deputy Chief of Mission in smaller remote posts such as Mbabane, Swaziland. In Yaounde, he would have the opportunity to apply these management skills and African experience in pursuit of our interests.
With that broad overview of our remarkably qualified nominees, I look forward to hearing from each of the nominees and will now turn it over to Senator Flake.
Opening Statement of Senator Chris Coons: Foreign Relations Committee hearing on nominations.