PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) today announced he will be a
member of President Clinton’s delegation to Africa.  The group will travel to Nigeria to
encourage the country’s transition to democracy and then to Tanzania, in support of the Burundi
peace process. 

“This transition to democracy has been the most important change since the destruction of
Apartheid,” said Congressman Fattah.  “I am honored to go with the President on this important
mission.”

During the visit, Congressman Fattah will meet with Nigerian legislators to discuss trade and
investment and regional integration and security.  Congressman Fattah will also meet with
Nigerian President Obasanjo and Secretary General of the Economic Community of West
African States Kouyate.

As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria has emerged as a role model for other African nations. Once under military rule, the country is now combating its own problems of transitional tension as it moves toward democracy, while maintaining one of the strongest economies in West Africa. Nigerian President Obasanjo has taken the lead in advancing causes in AIDS, HIV, malaria, and polio.  Nigeria has also been committed to assisting the US in the drug war.

The entourage will be traveling to Tanzania on the last day of the trip where they will meet with
Tanzanian President Benjamin William Mkapa and former South African President Nelson
Mandela.

Other Members of Congress traveling with the President include Reps. Charles Rangel, Jim
McDermott, Donald Payne, William Jefferson, Maxine Waters, Spencer Bachus, Shelia Jackson
Lee, Julia Carson, Carolyn Kilpatrick, Barbara Lee, Gregory Meeks, and Stephanie Tubbs Jones.