Lyman played a crucial role in the negotiation and signing of the 1994 Accord on Afrikaner self-determination in South Africa. As the U.S. Ambassador, he skillfully mediated between General Constand Viljoen, representing Afrikaner interests, and the African National Congress (ANC). Lyman's deep understanding of South Africa's complex political landscape and his respect for Afrikaner concerns helped prevent potential conflict during the transition from apartheid, ultimately facilitating the peaceful inclusion of Afrikaners in the new South African democracy.[6]
In January, 2010, Lyman weighed in in opposition to using the U.S. Alien Tort Statute in federal court to gain reparations for South African workers, from corporations who operated in South Africa during the apartheid era.[7]
In January, 2011, Lyman, who acted for the US government in mediation talks between the north and south of Sudan, was in Sudan for the independence referendum of Southern Sudan.[8][9]
^"Paying the Price for Apartheid"OpEd by Princeton N. Lyman, International Herald Tribune, January 5, 2010 (in print on Jan. 6, 2010 in The Herald Tribune). Retrieved 2010-01-12.
