[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 101 (Thursday, July 1, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING 17 AFRICAN NATIONS ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 30, 2010

  Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res 1405, a 
resolution celebrating 50 Years of African independence. I thank Mr. 
Rush for sponsoring this important resolution and for his work as a 
champion for Africa here in Congress. Mr. Rush's leadership, along with 
that of Representatives Donald Payne and Ed Royce, in shaping policies 
that help foster economic vitality and good governance on the continent 
is truly commendable.
  I was a lead cosponsor of this resolution because it recognizes the 
importance of good governance and democratic principles, which have 
flourished in many African countries over the past decade. Indeed, more 
than two-thirds of sub-Saharan African countries have held democratic 
elections since 2000. Moreover, several nations, from Senegal to 
Tanzania, and from Ghana to Zambia have seen successful power changes 
over the past decade. The United States Department of State has 
expressed its commitment to supporting African efforts to fortify 
government accountability and overall good governance, which is crucial 
to the continent's future growth and global influence.
  The resolution commends the socio-economic and political progress 
being made by African countries, while acknowledging the associated 
challenges that many still face. According to a June 2010 McKinsey 
Global Institute report entitled ``Lions on the Move: The Progress and 
Potential of African Economies,'' over the past decade ``Africa's 
economic pulse has quickened, infusing the continent with new 
commercial vibrancy.'' Africa's combined consumer spending in 2008 was 
$860 billion, and America is committed to partnering with African 
nations to foster economic development, entrepreneurship and trade in 
the continent.
  Kofi Annan, Chair of the Africa Progress Panel (APP) recently noted 
that ``Africa's future is in its own hands, but that success in 
managing its own affairs depends on supportive global policies and 
agreements.'' H. Res. 1405 comes at a time when the world is taking 
notice of Africa's great progress in recent years and it reaffirms the 
United States' commitment to growth and prosperity in Africa.
  This resolution is a celebration of the hope that resonates in the 
hearts and minds of the many Africans, African Americans, policymakers, 
and NGOs that are committed to Africa's progress and prosperity. I urge 
my colleagues to vote in favor of this important resolution.

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