Yesterday, U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain met with Mauritanian President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani. Ambassador Hussain and President Ghazouani discussed a range of human rights and security issues, including the need to advance respect for religious freedom in the region and across the continent. Ambassador Hussain also met with Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum yesterday to discuss religious freedom, societal tolerance initiatives, a range of human rights and civilian security issues, and efforts to address the threat of violent extremism in the region. Ambassador Hussain also met with key government officials and civil society from all across Africa, including women and youth leaders, while attending the Africa Forum for Peace. The Ambassador emphasized the need to bolster relationships with and expand space for civil society partners to help advance religious freedom both on the global stage and at the grassroots level.
