News from May 2023


2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Tanzania

The constitutions of the union government and of the semiautonomous government in Zanzibar prohibit religious discrimination and provide for freedom of religious choice.


2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Chad

At year’s end, Transitional President Mahamat Déby, who had previously presided over a 15-member transitional military council, led the country.


2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Lesotho

The constitution prohibits religious discrimination and provides for freedom of conscience, thought, and religion, including the freedom to change religion or belief and to manifest and propagate one’s religion.



Assistant Secretary Phee’s Visit to Addis Ababa

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee conducted meetings in Addis Ababa from May 14-16 with the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations (UN) and the Government of Ethiopia to consult on regional and international efforts to help end the conflict in Sudan.



Attack on U.S. Convoy in Nigeria

Unknown assailants yesterday attacked a convoy of two U.S. government vehicles in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra state, Nigeria.


Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): DRL Descent-based Slavery

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects to eradicate descent-based slavery and enslavement-based discrimination in Mali.


Secretary Blinken’s Call with Sudanese General Burhan

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements in Sudan

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America announce that on May 20, 2023, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces signed an Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements.


Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements

We, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) (hereinafter the “Parties”),


The United States Announces $245 Million in Humanitarian Assistance to Sudan and Neighboring Countries

Last week the United States announced $245 million in additional support to the people of Sudan and neighboring countries experiencing the impacts of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.


Assistant Secretary of State Satterfield to Travel to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield will travel to Jordan from May 17-20, 2023.



Joint Statement on the U.S.-Egypt Joint Economic Commission

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Arab Republic of Egypt on the occasion of the inaugural meeting of the high-level Joint Economic Commission (JEC) between the United States and Egypt May 17.


Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Levi

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman met today with Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Ronen Levi in Washington, D.C. Deputy Secretary Sherman reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad support for Israel’s security and commitment to continued cooperation.


The Fifth Special Session of the Conference of the States Parties to Review Operation of the Chemical Weapons Convention

Upon the completion of the Fifth Review Conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the United States reiterates its unwavering commitment to achieving a world free of chemical weapons.


Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements in Sudan

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America announce that on May 20, 2023, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces signed an Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements.


“FENTANYL EPIDEMIC WREAKS HAVOC” published by the Congressional Record in the House section on May 24

“FENTANYL EPIDEMIC WREAKS HAVOC“ was published in the House section on pages H2591-H2592 on May 24


Azerbaijan National Day

Release: On behalf of the United States of America, I wish the people of Azerbaijan a happy Republic Day.