Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced that he will convene a hearing on Thursday, February 14 entitled, “The Crisis in Mali: U.S. Interests and the International Response.”  

Chairman Royce said:  “Islamist militancy has been growing in Mali and other parts of North Africa for years.  It took decisive action by the French to get many – including the Obama Administration – to focus on this shared threat.

“Today in Mali, you have battle-hardened, al-Qaeda-affiliated militants, armed to the teeth with weapons from Qadhafi’s stockpile, seeking safe haven.  In portions of the country, militants began carrying out amputations and public executions, along with the destruction of indigenous culture.  No wonder the French intervention was welcomed by terrorized Malians.  

“This hearing will allow the Committee to press the Obama Administration for a policy that allows us the best chance to work with African forces to rid the region of militants.    

Thursday, February 14

Hearing:  The Crisis in Mali: U.S. Interests and the International Response

10 a.m. on Thursday, February 14 in 2172 Rayburn House Office Building

Committee on Foreign Affairs
Rep. Ed Royce, Chairman

Invited witnesses include: 

The Honorable Johnnie Carson
Assistant Secretary
Bureau of African Affairs
U.S. Department of State

Ms. Amanda Dory
Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs
Office of the Secretary of Defense
U.S. Department of Defense

***See foreignaffairs.house.gov for updates. 

***Coverage note:  All Foreign Affairs Committee proceedings are webcast live at foreignaffairs.house.gov/live-video-feed.

 

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