the brutal conflicts in sierra leone and liberia have come to an end. and we have seen liberia transform itself into a democracy under the able leadership of president alan johnson -- ellen johnson surleigh africa's first female head of state. it gives us hope for resolving other conflict situations in africa. despite the successes, however, pockets of tomorrow -- turmoil, political unrest, and civil strife remain in somalia and the eastern part of the congo, as well as places like madagascar. these conflicts create both internal and an external instability. they undermine africa's chances for sustained economic growth and for democratic advancement. the obama administration is taking a keen interest in working with african leaders and african regional organizations to help resolve some of these conflicts. over the past 18 months, special presidential envoy for sudan, retired general scott christian, has been focused on ensuring the full implementation of the 2005 comprehensive peace agreement. it will permit the people of south sudan or the first time