Press Release

Mrs. Bush to Lead Delegation to Africa

January 8, 2006

On January 16th, Mrs. Bush will lead a delegation that includes Secretary Rice to attend the inauguration of the President-elect of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleif, the first woman to be elected President on the continent of Africa.

The United States strongly supported the recent democratic elections in Liberia. This delegation reflects the President's continued commitment to democracy and supporting countries making the difficult transition from war to peace, and from tyranny to liberty. The United States looks forward to working with the new President and the people of Liberia to rebuild their institutions, establish stability and prosperity, and create an environment for reconciliation.

Mrs. Bush will also visit Ghana with six university presidents from the United States to unveil the Textbooks and Learning Materials Program. This program links minority-serving colleges in the U.S. with institutions in Africa to provide textbooks and school supplies for African students. By working together, the U.S. government and institutions of higher education can introduce people around the world to the America we know.

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