Carson’s Successor is US Diplomat with Kenya experience

{{A career diplomat who served in Kenya will likely be nominated to succeed Johnnie Carson as the State Department’s top Africa official.}}

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, currently director-general of the US Foreign Service, has been offered the job of assistant secretary of state for African affairs, according to allafrica.com.

Secretary of State John Kerry is suggesting to President Obama that he formally nominate Ms Thomas-Greenfield, the Internet news service said. Her appointment would have to be confirmed by the US Senate.

Ms Thomas-Greenfield served as US ambassador to Liberia from 2008 to 2012. She has also worked in diplomatic posts in Kenya, Nigeria, Gambia, Jamaica, Pakistan and at the US mission to the United Nations, according to her State Department biography: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/189469.htm.

If confirmed, Ms Thomas-Greenfield will be closely involved in preparations for President Obama’s anticipated trip to Africa later this year.

Allafrica.com reported on Thursday that Mr Obama “is thought likely to visit South Africa, Tanzania and perhaps Nigeria during June/July.” It added that “a presidential visit to Liberia has also been discussed.”

Washington analysts have suggested that Mr Obama is unlikely to visit Kenya due to the International Criminal Court’s indictments of President Kenyatta and Deputy President Ruto.

{wirestory}