Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the citizens of Haiti on the 212th anniversary of their Independence Day.

Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Sudan on 60 years of independence and send our sincerest wishes for 2016.

Washington, DC - National Security Council Spokesperson Ned Price on the Arrest of Journalists in Ethiopia:

Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "We commend the Government of Iraq and the brave Iraqi forces that are displaying tremendous perseverance and courage in this fight to return the capital of Anbar province back to the Iraqi people. The Iraqi military is fighting with determination, courage, and skill to dislodge the enemy and bring closer the day when the city can be returned to families who have fled the terror of ISIL.

Washington, DC - The United States condemns the terrible attacks carried out by Boko Haram in Nigeria, December 25–28, as well as other recent attacks in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Boko Haram killed dozens of innocent people who were targeted as they went about their daily lives attending service at a mosque, shopping in a neighborhood market, or simply traveling down a road. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, and we stand with the people of Nigeria and the region in the fight against Boko Haram.

Washington, DC - President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Burkina Faso to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, President-elect of Burkina Faso, on December 29.