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Princeton Lyman
Princeton Lyman US State Dept photo.jpg
United States Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs
In office
March 19, 1997 – October 22, 1998
President Bill Clinton
Preceded by Douglas J. Bennet
Succeeded by David Welch
United States Ambassador to South Africa
In office
July 14, 1992 – December 14, 1995
President George H. W. Bush
Bill Clinton
Preceded by William Lacy Swing
Succeeded by James A. Joseph
United States Ambassador to Nigeria
In office
September 12, 1986 – July 24, 1989
President Ronald Reagan
George H. W. Bush
Preceded by Thomas W. M. Smith
Succeeded by Lannon Walker
Personal details
Born (1935-11-20)November 20, 1935
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Died August 24, 2018(2018-08-24) (aged 82)
Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.

Princeton Nathan Lyman (born November 20, 1935 – died August 24, 2018) was an important American diplomat. A diplomat is someone who helps their country talk and work with other countries. Lyman served as the United States Ambassador to two countries in Africa: Nigeria and South Africa. He also held a high position in the U.S. government, helping with international organizations.

Princeton Lyman's Life and Work

Princeton Lyman was known for his work in foreign policy. He helped the United States build strong relationships with other nations. He was also an expert on African affairs.

His Early Life and Education

Princeton Lyman was born in San Francisco, California. He studied at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his first degree. Later, he went to Harvard University and earned a Ph.D. This is a very advanced degree.

Serving as an Ambassador

Lyman served as the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria from 1986 to 1989. An ambassador is the main representative of their country in another nation. After his time in Nigeria, he became the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa from 1992 to 1995. This was a very important time in South Africa's history.

Helping South Africa

During his time in South Africa, the country was going through a big change. It was moving away from a system called apartheid. Apartheid was a very unfair system where people were separated and treated differently based on their race. Lyman helped the U.S. support South Africa during this difficult but hopeful period.

Working for International Organizations

After his time as an ambassador, Lyman became the Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs. He held this role from 1996 to 1998. In this job, he helped the U.S. work with groups like the United Nations. These organizations try to solve global problems together.

Helping Countries Find Peace

Princeton Lyman also played a role in helping countries resolve conflicts. For example, in 2011, he helped the U.S. government in talks between the northern and southern parts of Sudan. These talks were about the southern part of Sudan becoming an independent country. This shows how diplomats like Lyman work to bring peace and stability to different regions.

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