Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia is concluding his travel to Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali today. The U.S. diplomat has discussed sovereignty, commerce, energy, counterterrorism, and regional stability with the nations’ ministers and officials.

Separately, the State Department announced sanctions this week on four individuals and three entities supporting weapons procurement on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The department stated that the action reinforces renewed UN Security Council resolutions which restrict Iran’s proliferation-related activities. 

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, “Iran has continued to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including through attacking commercial vessels. These sanctions will disrupt the overseas procurement efforts and financial networks that sustain the IRGC’s weapons capabilities.“

As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…

• For Secretary of State Marco Rubio as he oversees the implementation of sanctions of hostile foreign entities and individuals.
• For Assistant Secretary Garcia as he concludes his meetings with officials in the African nations.
• For President Trump to seek the Lord’s guidance as he determines foreign and domestic policies.