Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the current President of Liberia, has taken small but important steps in the advancement of democracy and governance during her two terms leading the country, including separating herself from other African leaders by not pushing for an unconstitutional third term. This hearing will analyze the possible directions the country may take once her replacement is sworn into office.

 “Liberia, a country established in the 1800s by freed slaves from the United States, has a special place in U.S. foreign policy toward Africa,” said Smith. “After seeing democratic progress under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf during her two terms in office, this hearing will examine the prospects for further consolidation of democracy and governance by the incoming Administration.”

Who:              
Chairman Smith (NJ-04), Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations; other members of the Committee

Witness:         
Panel I
The Honorable Donald Yamamoto
Acting Assistant Secretary
Bureau of African Affairs
U.S. Department of State

Ms. Cheryl Anderson
Acting Assistant Administrator
Bureau for Africa
U.S. Agency for International Development

Panel II
Mr. Dave Peterson
Senior Director
Africa Programs
National Endowment for Democracy

Ms. Aurelia Curtis
Founder and Executive Director
Weeks Educational and Social Advocacy Project

Rushdi Nackerdien
Regional Director for Africa
International Foundation for Electoral Systems

Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, Ph.D.
Senior Associate and Regional Director for Central and West Africa
National Democratic Institute

What:             
House hearing on Liberian democracy

When:            
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 2:00 PM

Where:           
Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2172 (first floor)

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