Donald Yamamoto

Donald Y. Yamamoto (* in Seattle, Washington) is an American diplomat. Since September 2009 he is Director of African Affairs at the State Department of the United States.

Yamamoto grew up in New York City and studied at the Columbia University Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and French. Then he took a Master 's degree in International Affairs. In 1980, he joined the Foreign Service. In 1996 he completed a training at the National War College.

Between 1997 and 1998, Yamamoto officiated as acting charge d'affaires in Eritrea. From 1998 to 2000 he was deputy director for East African Affairs in Washington. Between 2000 and 2003 he served as U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti, from 2006 to 2009 then as ambassador to Ethiopia. He was appointed by then-President George W. Bush.

Yamamoto was the first government official who supported the allegations of Chad against Sudan when he said: ". It is evident thatthere what safe haven and logistical support Provided to rebel groups" ( AFP report 2006) For his contributions to conflict resolution in Africa, he received the Robert Frasure memorial Award 2006.

Yamamoto is married and has two children.