“Democracy Support Strategies in Africa,” is the title of a congressional hearing to be chaired Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), chairman of the Africa and Global Human Rights Subcommittee. Officials from the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and human rights advocacy groups will testify.

WHAT:           Congressional hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

WHO:             Smith, members of the Subcommittee on Africa and global human rights, and witnesses:

Panel I:

• D. Bruce Wharton, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State
• Steven Feldstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor at the
  U.S. Department of State
• Thomas Staal, Acting Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, at the U.S. Agency for International Development

Panel II:

• Rushdi Nackerdien, Regional Director for Africa, International Foundation for Electoral Systems
• Patrick Merloe, Senior Associate and Director of Election Programs, National Democratic Institute
• John Tomaszewski, Acting Regional Program Director for Africa, International Republican Institute
• Nii Akuetteh, Executive Director, The African Immigrant Caucus
• John Tomaszewski, Acting Regional Director for Africa, International Republican Institute

WHEN:           Wednesday, May 18 at 2:30 p.m.

WHERE:        Room 2172 in the Rayburn House Office Building (second floor).

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