U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek Leads
Congressional Delegation to Africa
Fact finding mission examined U.S. political, security and economic commitment to Africa and the ongoing genocide in Darfur

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) led a congressional delegation of fellow U.S. lawmakers to Chad, Ethiopia and Kenya to examine U.S. political, security and economic commitment to Africa and the ongoing genocide in Darfur.

Meek, joined by U.S. Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH), Michael Arcuri (D-NY) and fellow Congressional Black Caucus member Yvette Clarke (D-NY), met with leading government officials from the three African counties and the Africa Union, U.S. Ambassadors and embassy officials, and U.S. military personnel during the week long trip.

The delegation also examined the formation of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), a new U.S. military command structure devoted to war prevention, political stabilization and economic growth in Africa.

"Africa is playing a significant role in global affairs and the U.S. national interest is served when Africa is prospering economically, thriving politically and is conflict-free. This is a critical juncture in Africa's history and our government must reach out to our African partners with an outstretched hand in partnership and cooperation," said Congressman Meek. "The formation of AFRICOM led by General William 'Kip' Ward is well positioned to build relationships with our African allies, protect Africa's natural resources and play a vital role in offering humanitarian assistance to nations and communities in need."

The delegation began their trip to Africa in Chad, which since 2003 has experienced an influx of over 200,000 refugees escaping ongoing genocide and violence in Darfur. The United Nations Commission on Refugees, United National World Food Programme and many other multilateral agencies and Non Governmental Organizations are working with government of Chad to help house and feed the fleeing refugees.

"Under the leadership of Congressman Don Payne (D-NJ), the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa and a Congressional Black Caucus leader, the U.S. Congress will continue to apply maximum pressure to bring the genocide in Darfur to an end and punish those individuals who continue to perpetrate these vicious crimes against humanity," said Congressman Meek.

This is the second overseas congressional trip led by Congressman Meek this year. In August, he led a trip to Iraq and Kuwait with fellow lawmakers.

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Floridian sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means and also sits on the House Armed Services Committee.

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