Bush nominee’s statement at her Senate confirmation hearing

Statement for the Record

Robin Renee Sanders, Ambassador-Designate to the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa
September 19, 2007

Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee:

Good Morning:

I am deeply honored today to appear before you as the President's nominee to be the United States Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Every now and again, one has the remarkable opportunity to be a part of a profession that makes one proud to get up each day. That is how I have felt every day of my Foreign Service Career. I grew up in a family that underscored the importance of public service. My father is a veteran of two wars, and I come from a long line of family members who are principals and teachers, including my younger sister, and family members who have worked for other U.S. Government agencies, such as my aunt. They are all here with me today.

Given my ancestral links to Africa, Nigeria's future and the quality of life of its people are important to me.

With that backdrop Mr. Chairman, and if confirmed to serve the people of the United States of America, this nomination is truly a blending of everything that I am personally and professionally.

The people of Nigeria and the people of the United States of America are connected in many ways. The Nigerian people want good governance, rule of law, and respect for global human values. They desire an evolving democracy that advances these life goals and they see us as partners in these efforts. Mr. Chairman, we are --and must continue to be-- partners with them in this regard. The Nigerian elections were deeply flawed, and we were highly disappointed, as were the Nigerian people. They themselves have spoken out on the deeply flawed elections. But the Nigerian people are giving this new administration a chance; they are watching it more closely, expecting even greater things and more results from it so that this past election is not a harbinger of a bleak future for Nigeria. We are encouraged by the steps taken thus far by President Yar'Adua's Administration. We will continue to press him to allow the electoral tribunals to complete their work unimpeded and to reform dramatically the electoral commission so flawed elections do not happen again. I believe our role is to have a "partnership with stewardship," meaning a "propitious engagement" on all democracy and human rights fronts in support of the Nigerian people.

While I have not yet met President Yar'Adua, what I have read and heard about his actions to date indicates that he is interested in reestablishing Nigeria's progress on political and governance reforms. Yar'Adua has voiced his recognition of the challenges at hand including: the development and security needs of the Niger Delta; alleviating poverty; combating corruption; improving the educational and health care sectors, particularly in regards to HIV/AIDS; and instituting election reform.

These are all significant issues that must be addressed in order for Nigeria to move forward and truly become an active member of the community of democracies and a true regional leader. We must work with the Yar'Adua Administration as partners to achieve these goals for the Nigerian people.

If confirmed, I will be dedicated, along with the interagency team of American and Nigerian staff at our embassy, to a "partnership with stewardship" that works toward realizing the aspirations of this nation of 140 million for a better quality of life in an environment that respects global human values and has policies and programs that enable the people of Nigeria to thrive.

Mr. Chairman, and Members of the Committee, I stand ready, and I welcome the opportunity to respond to any questions you may have. Thank you very much.

Robin Renee Sanders, a career member of the Foreign Service, most recently served as Director for Public Diplomacy for Africa for the State Department.  Prior to this appointment, Ms. Sanders served twice as the Director for Africa at the National Security Council at the White House (under former Presidents Bush 1988-1989, and Clinton 1997-1999), as the Special Assistant for Latin America, Africa, and International Crime for the Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., and as Chief of Staff and Senior Foreign Policy for Member of the House International Relations Committee.

Robin holds a Masters of Arts degree in International Relations and Africa Studies, a Masters of Science degree in Communications and Journalism from Ohio University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Hampton University.  She has received extensive professional training from the State Department’s School of Advanced Studies in political analysis, and African and Latin American studies.

Ms. Sanders has worked as a political affairs officer abroad for the Department of State for 13 years, most notably serving in Senegal, Namibia, Sudan, Portugal, and the Dominican Republic.  She has also been assigned to special missions to Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  While abroad, Ms. Sanders worked extensively on issues ranging from democratization and governance to elections, development assistance, refugees and peacekeeping.  She also served as an election observer for Namibia’s first-ever, post-apartheid election, and provided expert analysis on elections in several African nations as well as Portugal and the Dominican Republic.  While in Sudan, Ms. Sanders served as the point person for analyzing the raging civil war in Southern Sudan as well as the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in that nation.  Ms. Sanders has also managed human rights and democracy projects and emergency food assistance programs in several African countries.  As Chief of Staff and Senior Foreign Policy Advisor for a Member of Congress, Ms. Sanders covered issues ranging from Africa, Latin America, Cuba and Bosnia.  She also had responsibilities for key domestic issues such as crime, health care, and arms control.

Ms. Sanders is the recipient of three State Department Superior Honor Awards, three State Department Meritorious Honor Awards and several citations in Who’s Who of American Women.  She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.  Ms. Sanders was born on Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia.  She speaks French and some Portuguese and Spanish. 

Robot  Villager

# 1 ...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 25.09.2007 08:27

surulere007  Villager

# 2 Welcome to Nigeria Welcome to Africa I'll benchmark your performances with Walter Carrington (the United States Ambassador to Nigeria from 1993-1997.) All the best. Posted by surulere007| 25.09.2007 10:23

Big-K  Villager

# 3 Ambassador, None of your previous experiences is adequate to prepare you for Nigeria and its superlatives - the most unique, the most black, the most religious, the happiest, the loudest, the most .this and that..... Keep an open mind and you'll have the BEST time of your life. All past ambassadors (Especially Blacks) who opened up their minds ALWAYS END UP having a life-long relationship with Nigerians. Look down on us, or close your mind and You'll have the WORST experience. Good luck with the confirmation. Posted by Big-K| 25.09.2007 10:30

I Love Nigeria  Villager

# 4 Mr. Bush's policies are not my favorite things.... wrong-headed Iraqi policies for instance, which has led to a quagmire and debacle.... and will soon become endless deficit inducing bleed. Mr. Bush's unnecessary frontal-attack on Affirmative Action policies, policies which were aimed at redressing historical injustices meted out and directed against African Americans ... just irritate me to no end.... this Bush guy, this Bush of a man just get under my skin with such wayward policies.... neoconservative and extreme right-wing "righteousness" BUT.... I may be against Bush's policies... I do like his appointment of Dr. Rice and now, the appoinment of Ambassador Robin Sanders.... not to be confused with Colonel Sanders of the finger-licking feathered concessionaries. I wish Ambassador Sanders speedy confirmation... AND, Welcome Nigeria, Welcome HOME Ambassador Sanders! Posted by I Love Nigeria| 25.09.2007 10:54

ula-lisa  Villager

# 5 Ambassador Sanders: Welcome to Nigeriavillagesquare. We do not discriminate here. Register as a JJC in your name or with a false name if you cannot face the heat (read the Aba boy's advise and learn from the experience of Adeniyi). If you make sense, we shall help you succeed and give you good clues. But if you goof, well, goodluck to you, the sharks and piranhas are lurking... I noticed that there was nothing mentioned of a spouse or children... erhm...in our tradition, the village match-makers may give you suggestions...if you are single. I understand that ILN, having failed in his effectionate declaration and swooning over Dr. Rice is still very much single and hating it...last night he was headed to the gym after his summit with Yar Adua... However, do not listen to everything ILN tells you, he can overstate issues sometimes when he is mesmerized by a damsel... see you in church...in Nigeria. Da Bishop. Posted by ula-lisa| 25.09.2007 11:14

TEchi  Villager

# 6 Welcome. Hopefully your confirmation will be swift. You are no stranger to African issues but Nigeria is unique. Despite your qualification, you must come with open mind. ready to work for the good of Nigeria and of course, US. But most importantly focus on the real issues - Nigerian economics and the rule of law that favors the well being of the citizens. Posted by TEchi| 25.09.2007 14:49

Auspicious  Villager

# 7 Errr...Hi, Folks! :confused: Why is everybody addressing Ms. Sanders as if she personally submitted that article for publishing on NVS? Some (specifically our resident Bishop Eric Ula-Lisa) even went as far as "welcoming" her, not to Nigeria, but to NVS..:lol: The article is published under the name Ellie Smith ke..:neutral::biggrin: Auspicious. Posted by Auspicious| 25.09.2007 15:25

ula-lisa  Villager

# 8 =Auspicious;20913416>Errr...Hi, Folks! :confused: Why is everybody addressing Ms. Sanders as if she personally submitted that article for publishing on NVS? Some (specifically our resident Bishop Eric Ula-Lisa) even went as far as "welcoming" her, not to Nigeria, but to NVS..:lol: The article is published under the name Ellie Smith ke..:neutral::biggrin: Auspicious. Becos one hopes that somehow, some magical how, she may get feed-back...and feel welcome...and just maybe...somehow be lured to... Bend down that she may see Aba...:lol: Posted by ula-lisa| 25.09.2007 16:01

I Love Nigeria  Villager

# 9 Auspicious > to Eric Ula-Lisa Esq. See me see DoubleWahala Oh! I am focusing on the lady's expertise, credentials and public policy... as in American foreign policy toward Nigeria during Ambassador Sanders tenure... But NO.... you see where the Bishop's mind is? he conjectured that I am flirting with the lady. I am mindful that it is sexist to discuss a professional's beauty or looks instead of her competence and suitability for the contemplated position. NOW, I must confess that the Ambassador is gorgeous and apparently in tip-top physical shape... See? I broken down and confessed! Weak people usually would blame the devil for their transgressions, but not me! I am not blaming the satan The Bishop made me do it ! Bishop Ula-Lisa Esq, are you happy now? Posted by I Love Nigeria| 25.09.2007 16:15

ula-lisa  Villager

# 10 =I Love Nigeria;20913434>Auspicious > to Eric Ula-Lisa Esq. See me see DoubleWahala Oh! I am focusing on the lady's expertise, credentials and public policy... as in American foreign policy toward Nigeria during Ambassador Sanders tenure... But NO.... you see where the Bishop's mind is? his conjecture that I am flirting with the lady. I am mindful that it is sexist to discuss a professional's beauty or looks instead of her competence and suitability for the contemplate position. NOW, I must confess that the Ambassador is gorgeous and apparently in tip-top physical shape... See? I broken down and confessed! Weak people usually would blame the devil for their transgressions, but not me! I am not blaming the satan The Bishop made me do it ! Bishop Ula-Lisa Esq, are you happy now? Almost... almost there... it starts with a confession... confess on child...let it all out, it is good for ya soul. :lol::lol::lol: Da Bishop. Posted by ula-lisa| 25.09.2007 16:19