U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Johnnie Carson travels to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Niger October 17-26, 2011 the State Department announced.

Carson, who is the assistant secretary of state for African affairs, will be promoting U.S. objectives of democracy and governance, peace and security, and economic development during his three-nation visit, the department said in a prepared statement October 17.

"During this trip, he will speak with representatives from the government, military, political parties, industry, and human rights, women's rights and civil society organizations," the department said.

While in DRC, Carson will meet with political actors, including political party leaders and representatives from the National Independent Election Commission, as well as civil society members, to discuss the upcoming elections.

"In Rwanda, he will visit a demobilization camp for former combatants, tour sites and programs supporting Rwanda's economic development and food security, and participate in round-table discussions with civil society organizations on current issues," the department said. "In Niger, he will visit a development project, and will meet with government officials, civil society leaders, representatives from the National Assembly, and women's rights activists."

Carson will also participate in news interviews and round-table discussions with journalists to discuss regional and multilateral issues in these countries.

(This is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/iipdigital-en/index.html)