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Hillary Clinton arrives in Africa Hillary Clinton opens Africa tour
(about 10 hours later)
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has arrived in Kenya to begin an 11-day tour of the African continent. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has begun in Kenya her 11-day tour of the African continent.
Her trip will include South Africa, Nigeria, Liberia and Angola and she will meet Somali leaders in Kenya. In Nairobi, Mrs Clinton is to address a summit of African ministers that will focus on trade and investments.
The visit, her longest overseas journey in her post to date, is part of an attempt by the US to show that Africa remains a key foreign policy priority. She will also meet Kenyan leaders, amid growing concerns over Kenya's reluctance to seek justice following last year's post election violence.
During her seven-nation tour, Mrs Clinton she will also hold talks with Somali leaders in Nairobi.
The tour, her longest overseas journey in her post to date, is part of an attempt by the US to show that Africa remains a key foreign policy priority.
Development issues - including food security, health and gender concerns - are expected to be high on the agenda.Development issues - including food security, health and gender concerns - are expected to be high on the agenda.
Mrs Clinton's trip comes less than a month after US President Barack Obama, whose father was born in Kenya, travelled to Ghana.Mrs Clinton's trip comes less than a month after US President Barack Obama, whose father was born in Kenya, travelled to Ghana.
Early trip
US officials were keen to emphasise that Mrs Clinton's trip is the earliest trip by a secretary of state to Africa of any administration.US officials were keen to emphasise that Mrs Clinton's trip is the earliest trip by a secretary of state to Africa of any administration.
Her trip combines visits to three African powers - Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa - to bolster ties, and three post-conflict states - Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia - to show US support. 'Golden chance'
One of Mrs Clinton's first engagements in Nairobi will be addressing a forum of some 40 African states which enjoy trade preferences with the US on the condition they uphold free elections and markets.
AFRICAN TOUR KenyaSouth AfricaNigeriaAngolaLiberiaDemocratic Republic of CongoCape VerdeAFRICAN TOUR KenyaSouth AfricaNigeriaAngolaLiberiaDemocratic Republic of CongoCape Verde
Mrs Clinton will end her tour with a visit to US ally, Cape Verde. America's top diplomat will then hold talks with Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Ahead of her arrival on Tuesday, the US embassy in Nairobi issued a statement scolding Kenya for its decision not to set up a local court to seek justice for the victims of the country's post-poll clashes. Ahead of her arrival in Kenya, the US embassy in Nairobi issued a statement scolding Kenya for its decision not to set up a local court to seek justice for the victims of the country's post-poll clashes.
At least 1,300 people died during clashes following the disputed December 2007 election.At least 1,300 people died during clashes following the disputed December 2007 election.
"The US is deeply concerned by the coalition government's decision that appears to indicate it will not pursue establishment of an independent Special Tribunal to hold accountable perpetrators of post-election violence," the US government said in the statement."The US is deeply concerned by the coalition government's decision that appears to indicate it will not pursue establishment of an independent Special Tribunal to hold accountable perpetrators of post-election violence," the US government said in the statement.
Meanwhile, Somali President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed said the meeting with Mrs Clinton in Kenya would be "a golden chance for the Somali people and government".Meanwhile, Somali President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed said the meeting with Mrs Clinton in Kenya would be "a golden chance for the Somali people and government".
"It signals how the American government, the Obama administration and the international community are willing to support Somalia this time," he said, referring to earlier failed peacekeeping missions to the country."It signals how the American government, the Obama administration and the international community are willing to support Somalia this time," he said, referring to earlier failed peacekeeping missions to the country.
One of Mrs Clinton's first engagements will be addressing a forum of around 40 African states which enjoy trade preferences with the US on the condition they uphold free elections and markets. Mrs Clinton will also visit South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cape Verde.