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Bob Wekesa (Inaugural Africa Visiting Fellow, USC Annenberg Center) talks with Africa Center for Strategic Studies on Chinese Media Practices in Africa

To watch the full recording, please click HERE.

The Expert’s Corner on the topic of U.S.-Africa relations, written by Bob Wekesa, Inaugural Africa Visiting Fellow, USC Annenberg Center

UNITED STATES–AFRICA LEADERS SUMMIT 2022: REINFORCING COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND CIVIL SOCIETY

UNITED STATES–AFRICA LEADERS SUMMIT 2022: ADVANCING PEACE, SECURITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

UNITED STATES–AFRICA LEADERS SUMMIT 2022: ADVANCING AFRICA’S GLOBAL VOICE

U.S.-AFRICA UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS: POSSIBILITIES AND REALITIES

December 3, 2024

Upcoming Events
Religious Institutions and Peacebuilding in Ethiopia, December 4, 1:00pm EST (Wilson Center)

Protecting Intellectual Property Rights for African Creatives, December 5, 2:00pm EST (Atlantic Council)

Bridging Digital and Democratic Spaces: Social Media’s Role in Electoral Engagement and Peacebuilding in Uganda, December 11 EST, 12:30pm (Wilson Center)

Africa–U.S. Forums: Africa Views of the New U.S. President, December 16, 9:00am EST (DACOR Bacon House)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Experts React: What Biden’s Trip to Angola Says About US Africa Policy, China, and More (Atlantic Council)

Continent At-Large
America Under Joe Biden Plays the Pragmatist in Africa (The Economist)

Analysts Say Biden’s First Trip to Africa Should’ve Come Earlier in Presidency, by Mariama Diallo (Voice of America)

Biden Travels to Africa Where Policies Were ‘Over-Promised and Under-Delivered,’ Amid Massive China Expansion, by Paul Tilsey (Fox News)

Africa’s Resource‑Rich Nations Look to Capitalise on Biden’s Angola Trip, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Africa Can Offer Trump a Deal He Can’t Refuse, by Justice Malala (Bloomberg)

Former US Diplomat Discusses Trump’s Africa Policy, China and Russia Competition, Trade, and Security, by Paul Ndiho (Voice of America)

Christian Right Eyes Big Role in Shaping Trump’s Africa Policy, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Trump Administration Is Set to Abandon LGBTQ Africans, by Daniel Volman (Washington Blade)

Africa Faces Many Challenges with Donald Trump’s Second Presidency (New York Center for Foreign Policy Affais)

PEPFAR Delivers Outsized Returns—It Deserves More Funding, by Belinda Archibong (Brookings Institution)

The US Won’t Gain a Lead in the Competition for Africa’s Critical Minerals Without Innovation, by Chris Moorman (Atlantic Council)

Adani US Indictment Deals Blow to Ambitious $100 Billion Africa Investment Plans, by Herald Aloo (The Africa Report)

Central Africa/Sudans
US Spy Plane Violates Uganda, DRC Air Spaces, by Inder Singh Bisht (The Defense Post)

East Africa/Horn
Trump’s Second Term: Big Changes Ahead for Somalia and Somaliland (14 North Strategies)

North Africa
U.S. Bombers, Tactical Air Controllers, Train with Moroccan Partners (AFRICOM)

Southern Africa
Why Biden Is Going to Angola, by Dan M. Ford (Responsible Statecraft)

Biden in Angola: What’s Behind the Last-Ditch Africa Trip?, by Shola Lawal (Al Jazeera)

Biden’s Long-Awaited Africa Trip to Tout a Win Against China, by Jessica Donati (Reuters)

Biden’s Angola Visit Aims to Showcase His Attempts to Rival China, by Anne Soy (BBC)

Biden Fulfilling Promise to Visit Africa as US Looks to Counter China’s Deepening Influence in Region, by Arlette Saenz & Betsy Klein (CNN)

U.S. Faces Stiff Test Against Chinese Dominance in Africa, by John Eligon (The New York Times)

Biden Visiting an African Region Critical to the U.S.-China Rivalry, by Abigail Hauslohner (The New York Times)

Biden to Spotlight Angola’s Lobito Corridor, His Legacy to Counter China in Africa, by Patsy Widakuswara (Voice of America)

China Will Be on Everyone’s Mind When Biden Visits Angola This Week, by Eric Olander (China Global South Project)

What Biden’s Visit to Angola Says About Lobito Corridor and US-China Rivalry, by Jevans Nyabiage (South China Morning Post)

The Billion-Dollar Railways Driving Biden’s Last Overseas Trip, by Matthew Hill (Bloomberg)

Biden Bids To Counter China in Africa with Strategic Railway Project, by Shannon McDonagh (Newsweek)

Biden’s Visit to Africa Will Focus on History and Economic Hope, by Zolan Kanno-Youngs (The New York Times)

Biden’s Angola Visit to Focus on US Investments, Regional Partnerships in Africa, by Justin Gomez (ABC News)

President Biden’s Visit to Angola: Insights from African Experts on US-Africa Relations, by Fonteh Akum & Christopher Isike (Wilson Center)

US President Biden Visits Angola to Seal His Legacy in Africa, by Peter Fabricius (Daily Maverick)

Biden’s Angola Trip Marks Final Africa Push in Office, by Antonio Cascais (DW)

Biden Pressed to Address Human Rights Violations During Angola Visit, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Make President Biden’s Only Trip to Africa Count, by Zenaida Machado (Human Rights Watch)

Thousands Cheer Biden’s Arrival in Angola for His Long-Promised Sub-Saharan Africa Visit, by Gerald Imray & Will Weissert (Associated Press)

Biden Arrives in Angola on His Only Trip as President to Sub-Saharan Africa, by Zolan Kanno-Youngs & Peter Baker (The New York Times)

President Biden Makes Long Awaited Trip to Africa, by Emmanuel Akinwotu (Voice of America)

Biden Makes Historic First Visit by US President to Angola, by Anita Powell (Voice of America)

Joe Biden Embarks on First and Final Africa Trip as US President with Angola Visit, by Andres Schipani & David Pilling (Financial Times)

Angola Removes Sanctioned Alrosa From Its Diamond Mines Ahead of US Visit, by Joseph Cotterill (Financial Times)

Biden’s Trip to Angola Throws Spotlight on Luanda’s Multipolar Foreign Policy, by Alex Vines (Chatham House)

One of Biden’s Closest Allies in Africa Is Ready to Court Trump, by John Eligon (The New York Times)

President Biden’s Historic Visit to Angola: A New Chapter in U.S.-Angola Ties, by Guevera Yao (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Expanding the Lobito Corridor (Africa Confidential)

Digital Press Briefing: President Biden’s Visit to Angola (U.S. Department of State)

Background Press Call on the President’s Travel to Angola (The White House)

Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby En Route Luanda, Angola (The White House)

Angola Railway Strategically Key to US Economy – Analyst (Africanews)

South African Rand Falls as Markets Process Trump’s Tariff Threat (Reuters)

West Africa
Terrorism Is Spreading in West Africa – Local and International Collaboration Is Needed to Fight the Threat, by Olayinka Ajala (The Conversation)

Senegal and Chad Just Sent the French Military Packing. Why?, by Alex Thurston (Responsible Statecraft)

Inside the Effort to Market Russia and Putin to Africans, by Rachel Chason (The Washington Post)

Trump’s Victory in the US Opens a New Space for Nigerian Power Broker Lai Mohammed, by Eniola Akinkuotu (The Africa Report)

Recent Events
Biden’s Trip to Angola: What to Expect, December 2, 10:00am EST (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Check out Trump in Africa (Hold Your Fire!, International Crisis Group), Incoming Trump Administration ‘Optimistic’ About the Future of U.S.- Africa Relations (Voice of America) & US President Joe Biden to Make His First Visit to Africa Next Week (Voice of America)

November 26, 2024

Upcoming Events
Protecting Intellectual Property Rights for African Creatives, December 5, 2:00pm EST (Atlantic Council)

Africa–U.S. Forums: Africa Views of the New U.S. President, December 16, 9:00am EST (DACOR Bacon House)

News & Analysis
Top Picks
Africa in the Second Trump Administration, by J. Peter Pham (The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune)

Top Counterterrorism Official Warns of ISIS’ Rapid Rise in Africa, by Robbie Gramer (Politico)

Continent At-Large
How Might Trump 2.0 Approach Sub-Saharan Africa Policy?, by Colin P. Clarke & Raphael Parens (DefenseOne)

What the Return of Donald Trump Means for Africa in 2025, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

What Will Trump 2.0 Mean for Africa?, by Dave Clark (Agence France Presse)

Trump’s MAGA Insiders Want ‘Anti-Woke’ Deal-Driven Africa Policies, by Yinka Adegoke (Semafor)

Donald Trump Will Put America First: What Does That Mean for Africa?, by Christopher Isike & Samuel Oyewole (The Conversation)

How Should Africa Prepare for Trump 2.0?, by Chris O. Ogunmodede (Penkelemesi)

With Trump in Office, Africa Sees Risks and Opportunities Beyond Superpower Rivalries (The Arab Weekly)

A Shift in U.S.-Africa Relations? Trump’s Re-Election Sparks Concerns Over Foreign Policy Direction, by Joelle Drechsler (The Organization for World Peace)

Can Trump’s ‘America First’ Foreign Policy Succeed in Africa?, by David Monda (The Chanzo)

Trump’s Transactional Pragmatism May Auger Well for Africa, by Samir Bhattacharya (Observer Research Foundation)

Is Trump Good for Africa? A Complex Relationship, by Amne Suedi (Shikana Group)

In Africa, Trump’s Return Rfears of Infamous Muslim Travel Ban (Anadolu Agency)

Health Advocates in Africa Worry Trump Will Reimpose Abortion ‘Gag Rule’ Governing US Aid, by Farai Mutsaka (Associated Press)

Reste Calme: Why Europeans Should Take a Measured Approach Towards Trump in Africa, by Will Brown (European Council on Foreign Relations)

EU, US Losing Battles for Africa and Latin America to China, by Alex Lo (South China Morning Post)

Meet the African‑Born Lawmakers Changing the Face of US State Government, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Central Africa/Sudans
U.S. Envoy Pushes for Sudan Ceasefire, Aid Access (Sudan Tribune)

US Envoy Sees No ‘Political Appetite’ Among Sudan’s Combatants to End the Country’s Devastating War, by Trisha Thomas (Associated Press)

Sudan: US Envoy Meets Army Chief Burhan, While Russia Vetoes UN Ceasefire Bid (Agence France Presse)

US Congress Denounces RSF ‘Genocide’ in Sudan, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

US Lawmakers Seek to Halt Weapons Sales to UAE, Citing Sudan, by Patricia Zengerle (Reuters)

Chair Cardin Calls for Strong U.S. Leadership at the UN to Address Conflict, Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

In the Central African Republic, a Former Propagandist Lifts the Veil on the Inner Workings of Russian Disinformation, by Léa Peruchon (Forbidden Stories)

Why Gabon Matters: Strategic Significance Along the Gulf of Guinea, by Pearl Matibe (defenceWeb)

East Africa/Horn
Ruto Holds Talks on Defence Cooperation, Regional Security with US AFRICOM Commander Langley, by Bruhan Makong (Capital News)

East Africa Security Forum Hosted by CJTF-HOA (CJTF-HOA)

Ethiopia and the Horn’s Strategic Positioning Amid US-China Rivalry in Trump’s Second Term, by Anteneh Getachew (The Reporter Ethiopia)

North Africa
Does America Still Need Egypt?, by Michael Wahid Hanna (Foreign Affairs)

Why Morocco Could See Its Importance to Washington Rise During Trump 2.0, by Rama Yade (Atlantic Council)

Joint Statement on U.S.-Mauritania Energy Security Dialogue (U.S. Department of State)

Southern Africa
GNU Meets US Reps Behind Closed Doors at Global Democracy Assembly in Sandton, by Muhammad Hussain (News24)

Why US Funding for Summit Celebrating South Africa’s Democracy Is Under Fire, by Carien du Plessis (The Africa Report)

Be Careful of Foreign Interference in SA’s Stable Democracy, by Abbey Makoe (IOL)

World Movement for Democracy: The Crisis of the Democratic Wolf in a Sheep’s Skin, by Sikho Matiwane (IOL)

Ex-Trump Top Diplomat Calls for Tough Stand on South Africa’s ‘Foreign Policy Hypocrisy’, by Linda van Tilburg (National Security News)

Readout of Republic of South Africa – United States of America Defense Committee (U.S. Department of Defense)

South Africa: US Sanctions May Derail PetroSA’s Controversial Gazprombank Partnership, by Carien du Plessis (The Africa Report)

South African Rand Slips on Trump Tariff Jitters (Reuters)

As Biden Makes First Trip to Angola, Uncertainty Looms for Africa with Incoming Trump Presidency, by April Ryan (The Grio)

Zambian Defense Forces Chief of Chaplains Visits IRL, by Mel Slater (U.S. Army)

West Africa
How Trump 2.0 Could Jeopardise Nigeria’s Oil Revenue Target, by Femu Asu (The Africa Report)

Joint Statement on the Inaugural U.S.-Senegal Joint Commission (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
What Comes Next? Insights Into the Future of U.S.-Africa Relations Under a New Trump Administration, November 19, 10:00am EST (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Africa – U. S. Forum: Securing NATO’s Southern Edge: Tunisia’s Strategic Value in a Changing Mediterranean, November 25, 9:00am EST (DACOR Bacon House)

Check out Competition in Africa with Josh Meservey (The Diplomat’s Desk, The Alexander Hamilton Society)

November 19, 2024

Upcoming Events
What Comes Next? Insights Into the Future of U.S.-Africa Relations Under a New Trump Administration, November 19, 10:00am EST (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Africa – U. S. Forum: Securing NATO’s Southern Edge: Tunisia’s Strategic Value in a Changing Mediterranean, November 25, 9:00am EST (DECOR Bacon House)

Africa–U.S. Forums: Africa Views of the New U.S. President, December 16, 9:00am EST (DECOR Bacon House)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Unconventional Trump Brings Openings and Perils for Africa, by Alex de Waal (BBC)

Continent At-Large
How Africa Is Bracing for Trump’s Second Term, by Chinedu Asadu (Associated Press)

Donald Trump Can’t Ignore Africa, by Lilly Harvey (The National Interest)

Africa Matters, and the Next President Can’t Afford to Ignore It, by Lilly Harvey (American Foreign Policy Council)

US Should Make Africa a High Priority, by Raphael Obonyo (Nation Africa)

Like Biden, Don’t Expect Trump to Pay Much Attention to Africa, by Alex Thurston (Responsible Statecraft)

Trump’s Return Is Africa’s Signal to Move On, by Patrick Gathara (The Continent)

As Trump Prepares to Return to White House, Africa Deserves a Second Look, by Mehmet Ogulturk (TRT World)

New Problems, Old Problems, by Priyal Singh (IPS Journal)

Revenge Of “Sh*thole Countries”? What Trump II Means For U.S.-Africa Relations, by Andrea Böhm (Worldcrunch)

How Could US-China Rivalry in Africa Play Out Under Trump 2.0?, by Kate Bartlett (Voice of America)

Trump Trade‑War Risk Eclipses African Impact of China’s Economic Reboot, by David Whitehouse (The Africa Report)

China’s Smart Cities in Africa: Should the United States Be Concerned?, by Jason Warner & Toyosi Ajibade (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Seven Recommendations for the New Administration and Congress: Building U.S. Critical Minerals Security, by Gracelin Baskaran (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Trump’s Re-Election: What Does It Mean for Africa’s Mining and Natural Resources Sector?, by Warren Beech (Mining Review Africa)

Demystifying External Actor Influence in Africa’s Technology Sector, by Nate Allen (African Center for Strategic Studies)

The New Investment Superpower Outflanking China and the U.S. in Africa, by Nicholas Bariyo (The Wall Street Journal)

Democratic Resilience in Africa: Lessons from 2024 Elections, by Danielle Resnick & Landry Signé (Brookings Institution)

Balancing Risk: Ensuring the Safety of U.S. Peacekeepers in U.N. Missions, by Christian Werner (War on the Rocks)

America’s Last Chance With the Global South: In an Age of Great-Power Competition, Washington Needs the G-20, by Leslie Vinjamuri & Max Yoeli (Foreign Affairs)

Central Africa/Sudans
Donald Trump and Sudan: What Can We Expect from the Next US Presidency?, by Oscar Rickett (Middle East Eye)

US Sanctions Sudan RSF Commander Over Human Rights Abuses (Agence France Presse)

US ‘Gravely Concerned’ by Ceasefire Violations in DR Congo (Reuters)

Violation of the Ceasefire in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (U.S. Department of State)

This Refugee Fled Brutality in Congo. He Steeled Himself to Share His Story., by Anthony J. Rivera (The Washington Post)

Donald Trump Looking at Tory Plan to Send Illegal Migrants to Rwanda After Deterrent Scheme Was Ditched by Keir Starmer, by Kate Ferguson (The Sun)

Uganda Stares at Uncertainty Under Second Trump Presidency, by Frederic Musisi (Monitor Uganda)

East Africa/Horn
From Sudan to Ethiopia, Trump’s ‘America First’ Priorities Could Shift Horn of Africa Policy (Al-Monitor)

US-Kenya Relationship Now Stronger Than Ever, by Meg Whitman (Nation Africa)

Kenya’s Golden Opportunity in the New US Trade Era, by Mohammed Doyo (Business Daily)

US Steps up Campaign to Transform Kenya-Led Force in Haiti to a UN Peacekeeping Force, by Edith M. Lederer (Associated Press)

North Africa
Why Trump Is Good News for Egypt, by Nosmot Gbadamosi (Foreign Policy)

Iran Has Ambitions in Western Sahara. Trump Can Contain Them by Bolstering Ties with Morocco., by Sarah Zaaimi (Atlantic Council)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Algerian Foreign Minister Attaf (U.S. Department of State)

Southern Africa
The Lobito Corridor: Washington’s Answer to Belt and Road in Africa, by Zachary Fillingham (Geopolitical Monitor)

Reviewing the Lobito Corridor: A New Gold Rush or Fool’s Gold?, by Ronak Gopaldas (Nanyang Technological University)

Will Angola’s Big Bet on Biden Backfire?, by Eric Olander (The Africa Report)

Biden’s Possible Visit to Angola, the Challenges to Balance U.S. Interests, and the Decline of Democracy in Angola, by Florindo Chivucute (Opening Central Africa)

Ex-Im Bank’s $2.5 Billion Angola Loan Funds Chinese-Tied Firms, Not American Jobs, by Lukas Mikelionis (Washington Examiner)

São Tomé and Príncipe: U.S. Embassy Needs to Revise Strategic Plan before Biden’s Visit to Angola, by Michael Walsh (The Democracy-Security Paradox)

South Africa Sees Opportunity in ‘Transactional’ Elon Musk, New Ambassador Says, by Carien du Plessis (The Africa Report)

Historical Alliances Will Not Soften US’s Approach to SA, by Ronak Gopaldas (BusinessDay)

Controversial US Ambassador Reuben Brigety Resigns Ahead of Trump’s Assumption of Power, by Mandisa Nyathi (Mail & Guardian)

Statement by U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Reuben E. Brigety II Announcing His Resignation (U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa)

South African Far-Left Party Reacts to US Elections with Falsehoods, by Purity Mwambia (Voice of America)

How Vladimir Putin Got Checkmated in South Africa, by K. Riva Levinson (The Africa Report)

The Trump Administration’s Return: What It Means for Africa and Namibia, by Henry Gwai (New Era Live)

Trump’s Return: A Turning Point for US, Africa and Namibia?, by Lot Ndamanomhata (The Namibian)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Botswana President Boko (U.S. Department of State)

West Africa
US Has Côte d’Ivoire, Now Africa’s Biggest Wine Importer, In Its Sights, by Maÿlis Dudouet (The Africa Report)

US, Germany Launch Joint West Africa Antiterrorism Program, by Senanu Tord (Voice of America)

US Commander Visits Nigerian Defence Chief, by Solomon Odeniyi (Punch)

Recent Events
Ghana Votes 2024: Voices, Choices, and Democracy in Action, November 13, 9:30am EST (International Republican Institute)

Trendlines and Transformations in African Democratic Governance: Lessons for 21st-Century US-Africa Relations, November 13, 10:00am EST (Wilson Center)

A Shift in Power: Botswana’s Historic Election, November 14, 11:00am EST (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

New Perspectives on China and Africa, November 15, 10:30am EST (East Asian Studies Center, The Ohio State University)

November 12, 2024

November 5, 2024

Upcoming Events
US Election: Is Africa Better Off Partnering with China or the US?, November 6, 9:00am EST (Africanews)

Ghana Votes 2024: Voices, Choices, and Democracy in Action, November 13, 9:30am EST (International Republican Institute)

Trendlines and Transformations in African Democratic Governance: Lessons for 21st-Century US-Africa Relations, November 13, 10:00am EST (Wilson Center)

New Perspectives on China and Africa, November 15, 10:30am EST (East Asian Studies Center, The Ohio State University)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Harris or Trump? What the Outcome of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Portends for America’s Africa Policy, by Ken Opalo (An Africanist Perspective)

Continent At-Large
What Africa Can Expect Under a Kamala Harris Administration: A Reinvigorated Strategy, by Benjamin Mossberg (Atlantic Council)

Kamala Harris Builds Africa Team to Upgrade Approach to Continent, by Yinka Adegoke (Semafor)

Kamala Harris’s African Networks (Africa Intelligence)

What Africa Can Expect Under a Second Trump Administration: A Focus on the ‘Numbers’, by Vin Weber (Atlantic Council)

Trump’s Africa Plans Take Pragmatic Turn, by Yinka Adegoke (Semafor)

Trump Wants ‘Capable Partners’ in Africa: Former US Special Envoy, by Nicholas Norbrook (The Africa Report)

Trump or Harris? Implications of US Elections for Africa, by Bob Wekesa (Nation Africa)

What US Election Results Could Mean for Africa, by Kate Bartlett (Voice of America)

What’s at Stake for Africa in the U.S. Elections?, by Nosmot Gbadamosi (Foreign Policy)

US Elections and Africa’s Fate: Here Is What Lies Ahead (Nation Africa)

Uncertainty on Africa Policies as America Votes, by Luke Anami (The East African)

‘No Fundamental Shift Expected in Washington’s Approach to Africa’, by Sizo Nkala (The African)

What US Election Means for Africa: A Path to Prosperity or Dependence, by Mohamed Zakaria Fodol (Daily Sabah)

Africa Needs a True, Progressive Partner in the White House, by Tafi Mhaka (Al Jazeera)

Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris: US Election Sees More Diaspora Africans Running for Office, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Special Edition: US Election, by Daniel van Dalen (The Plantain)

For Biden and the U.S., Africa Is Still an Afterthought, by Chris Olaoluwa Ògúnmọ́dẹdé (World Politics Review)

What Is Joe Biden’s Legacy in Africa?, by Chris Olaoluwa Ògúnmọ́dẹdé (Penkelemesi)

US-Africa Relations Under Biden: A Mismatch Between Talk and Action, by Christopher Isike & Samuel Oyewole (The Conversation)

Rethinking Africa Command, by Mike Sweeney (Defense Priorities)

How Russian Interference Threatens to Derail Malaria Vaccines in Africa, by Adrian Blomfield (The Telegraph)

State Department’s Little-Known Weapon for Countering Foreign Disinformation Faces Uncertain Future, by Joseph Gedeon (Politico)

Losing Africa: China’s Economic Takeover Is America’s Strategic Disaster, by Amal Ali (Special Operations Association of America)

Responding to China’s Growing Influence in Ports of the Global South, by Daniel F. Runde, Austin Hardman, Clara Bonin (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

There Isn’t Enough Money for Infrastructure—Here’s How to Make It Go Further, by Jeffrey Kucik & Rory Linehan (Wilson Center)

Are the World’s Largest Donors Cutting Their Bilateral Aid to Africa?, by Zainab Usman & Tani Washington (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Navigating a New America: Harris or Trump, Europeans Need a Collective US Strategy, by Célia Belin (European Council on Foreign Relations)

America’s Anti-Abortion Business Is Booming in Africa, by Neha Wadekar (Foreign Policy)

US Ordnance Team Disarms More Than Just Weapons with African Partners, by Joe Legros (DVIDS)

Special Envoy for Sudan Perriello Travels to Kenya, Uganda, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt (U.S. Department of State)

Central Africa/Sudans
U.S. Response to Mpox in the DRC: Leveraging PEPFAR as a Global Health Security Asset, by Alicia Carbaugh (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

How the World Keeps Failing Eastern DRC, by Koen Vlassenroot & Christoph Vogel (Al Jazeera)

East Africa/Horn
America’s “One Somalia” Policy is a Gift to China, by Michael Rubin (The National Interest)

U.S. Foreign Policy Blindspot: Ignoring Somaliland and South Yemen’s Case for Independence, by Michael Rubin (National Security Journal)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy (U.S. Department of State)

North Africa
How Autocracy Prevailed in Tunisia, by Sarah E. Yerkes & Sabina Henneberg (Foreign Affairs)

Military Leaders from the US and Morocco Strengthen Partnerships at the Marrakech Airshow 2024 (AFRICOM)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty (U.S. Department of State)

Southern Africa
Why Biden’s Visit to Angola Matters, by Witney Schneidman (Brookings Institution)

A Rejuvenated Railway Could Change How Minerals Move in Africa – and Globally, by Amy Gunia & Jackelyn Prager (CNN)

South Africa Braces for a Trump Victory, by Nosmot Gbadamosi (Foreign Policy)

SA Joins Global Nail-Biting Over US Elections While AGOA Uncertainties Persist, by Peter Fabricius (Daily Maverick)

Biden Administration Failed to Fix Strategic Management Issues at American Diplomatic Missions, by Michael Walsh (Mail & Guardian)

US Elections: ANC Will Work With Whoever Takes Over the White House – Mokonyane, by Bongekile Macupe (News24)

U.S. Embassy to South Africa Failed to Hold Media Accountable on Dr. Sipho Sithole Reporting, by Michael Walsh (The Democracy-Security Paradox)

Congress May Want to Consider Foreign Policy Issues Related to the Strength of Independent Media in South Africa, by Michael Walsh (The Democracy-Security Paradox)

14th South Africa-United States Annual Bilateral Forum – 21 October 2024 (U.S. Embassy in South Africa)

Congratulations on Historic Botswana Elections (U.S. Department of State)

West Africa
Mali: Untangling the Politico-Security Knot, by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele & Cameron Hudson (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

US Africa Command Retreats to Coastal West Africa to ‘Double Down’ on Counter-Terrorism, by Daniel Volman (Eurasia Review)

U.S. Counters China’s Influence in Africa Through Digital Literacy Initiative, by Seli Baisie (GBC Ghana Online)

Assistant Secretary Phee’s Travel to Dakar Biennale (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
America Votes: What It Means for Africa, October 30, 11:00am EDT (Foreign Policy Live)

IS Sahel: Newly Restructured and Aiming for Regional Expansion, October 30, 11:00am EDT (ACLED)

Check out How Will the 2024 US Election Shape Relations with Africa? (Africa Daily, BBC), US Presidential Candidates Have No Clear Africa Policies (Africanews), Election 2024: What Would a Trump vs. Harris Presidency Mean for Global Development? (Devex), U.S. 2024 Election and Africa (Al Jazeera), What Impact Will U.S. Election Outcome Have on U.S.-Africa Policies? (CGTN – Chinese State Media), US to Keep Africa-Friendly Policy: White House Adviser (Bloomberg), Africans Send Messages to Next US President (Africa 54, Voice of America) Securing Critical Mineral Supplies: Christine Michienzi (Intelligence Matters: The Relaunch)

October 29, 2024

Upcoming Events
IS Sahel: Newly Restructured and Aiming for Regional Expansion, October 30, 11:00am EDT (ACLED)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Great Power Competition in the Multilateral System, by Daniel F. Runde (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Continent At-Large
Will America’s Africa Policy Change Under Next US President?, by Silja Fröhlich (DW)

Why Trump Is Bad for Africa, by Julius Ogunro (Vanguard Nigeria)

Will the Next International Crisis Be in Africa?, by James Foggo (The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune)

Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Protect African Diaspora Council, by Eden Harris (Semafor)

How to Stop Russia’s African Destabilization Game, by Zineb Riboua (The National Interest)

Democracy, Human Rights, and American Grand Strategy: Towards a Bipartisan Consensus, by Michael J. Green & Derek Mitchell (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

‘The US Needs Us More Than We Need Them’ – AU Minerals Chief, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Ulf Laessing: On the Sahel, Libya, and a Global Struggle for Influence in Africa, by Andrew Smith (Global Weekly)

U.S. Military Makes First Confirmed OpenAI Purchase for War-Fighting Forces, by Sam Biddle (The Intercept)

Central Africa/Sudans
After Numerous Delays, US Company Symbion Power Is Eager to Finalise Lake Kivu Gas Project (Africa Intelligence)

The Congo Crisis Is Escalating. America Is AWOL, by Michael Rubin (National Security Journal)

East Africa/Horn
Making Sense of Rising Tensions in the Horn of Africa, by Martin Plaut & Atul Singh (Fair Observer)

North Africa
Tripoli-Based Libyan Government Holds Several Meetings in Washington DC with US Government Officials, by Sami Zaptia (Libya Herald)

Southern Africa
Mozambique’s Election Set to Fuel Cynicism, by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations)

The White House Is Betting on Lobito Corridor in China Rivalry in Africa, by Martin K.N Siele (Semafor)

Biden’s Trip to Angola to Celebrate Beating China at its Own Game, by Daniel Volman (Eurasia Review)

Angola Banks on Biden Boost to Fuel Growth and Reduce Debt, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

US Gives Zambia $458 Million to Complement Lobito Project, by Luke Anami (The East African)

West Africa
Kamala Harris and West Africa, by Chukwuemeka Uwanaka (The Cable)

U.S.-Nigeria Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance and Cryptocurrencies (U.S. Department of State)

Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Nigerien Prime Minister Zeine (U.S. Department of State)

US Warns of Visa Restrictions for People Who Undermine Ghana’s Democracy, by Francis Kokutse (Associated Press)

Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining Democracy in Ghana (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
Reducing Private Sector Debt in Africa, October 23, 10:00am EDT (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Pathways to Tackling Africa’s Debt Crisis Through Improved Credit Ratings, October 24, 10:00am EDT (Brookings Institution)

Check out Harris or Trump 2.0 – Why It Matters for Africa (The Nordic Africa Podcast, The Nordic Africa Institute), How US Elections Might Impact Parts of Africa (The World), How Will the US Election Result Affect South Africa? (Moneyweb), and Americans Voting in Kenya Find Connection Ahead of US Election (Africa 54, Voice of America)

October 23, 2024

Upcoming Events
Reducing Private Sector Debt in Africa, October 23, 10:00am EDT (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Pathways to Tackling Africa’s Debt Crisis Through Improved Credit Ratings, October 24, 10:00am EDT (Brookings Institution)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Two Railroads, One Vision, by Judd Devermont (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Continent At-Large
Biden’s Legacy in Africa, by Cameron Hudson (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Biden Has Been a Disappointment for Democracy in Africa, by Richard Morrow (The Hill)

Why Hasn’t US President Biden Made Any State Visits to Africa?, by Shola Lawal (Al Jazeera)

How Is US Going ‘All In’ on Africa Before Its President Leaves Office? (Global Times — Chinese State Media)

Biden is Losing Africa. Harris or Trump Won’t Do Better., by Andreas Kluth (Bloomberg)

What U.S. Elections Could Mean for Africa, by Cameron Hudson (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Why the U.S. Presidential Election Matters for Africa, by Eghosa E. Osaghae, Priyal Singh, Michelle Gavin (Council of Councils)

US Election: Where Does Trump vs. Harris China Brawl Leave Africa?, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Harris or Trump – What Do the US Presidential Candidates Offer Africa?, by Jevans Nyabiage (South China Morning Post)

U.S. Support for Democratic Openings in Conflict-Affected Countries: Lessons From Ethiopia and Sudan, by Brittany Gleixner-Hayat (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Realizing a Bolder Transatlantic Agenda for Cooperation with Africa, by Rama Yade (Atlantic Council)

Russia’s Latest Target in Africa: U.S.-Funded Anti-Malaria Programs, by Elian Peltier (The New York Times)

Global Power Rivalry: AFRICOM and Africa in the Face of China and Russia’s Influence, by Pearl Matibe (Modern Diplomacy)

Will The West Cede Africa To China & Russia?, by Duggan Flanakin (CNBC)

The New Climate Colonialism in Africa, by Joshua Frank (Inkstick)

US Accelerates Play for Africa’s Minerals During UN Week, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Africa, US Must Seek a Win-Win Partnership Through Enhanced AGOA, by Raphael Obonyo (Nation Africa)

JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon ‘Optimistic’ About Future of Africa, by Nicholas Norbrook & Eniola Akinkuotu (The Africa Report)

US Election: Semhar Araia, Washington’s Diaspora Whisperer, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Central Africa/Sudans
How To Sanction Sudan Without Creating a Failed State, by Tim Liptrot (War on the Rocks)

Treasury Sanctions Sudanese Rapid Support Forces Procurement Director (U.S. Department of the Treasury)

US Slaps Sanctions on Sudan Paramilitary Leader (Agence France Presse)

US Sanctions Four Ugandan Police Chiefs on Rights Violation Claims, by Julius Barigaba (The East African)

Uganda’s Military Threatens US Ambassador with Expulsion, by Halima Athumani (Voice of America)

US Rolls Out Red Carpet for Gabon Coup Leader, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

U.S. Cooperation with Gabon (U.S. Department of State)

Chad Launches US Charm Offensive Amid Dustup with Pentagon, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

How the U.S. Is Trying to Challenge China’s Cobalt Chokehold, by Alexandra Wexler & Julie Steinberg (The Wall Street Journal)

Toward a Balanced Approach: How Should the US Engage with an Increasingly Powerful Rwanda?, by Amara Galileo (Foreign Policy Research Institute)

East Africa/Horn
Tensions Rising in the Horn of Africa, by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations)

A Port Deal Unsettles U.S. Counterterror Fight in the Horn of Africa, by Michael M. Phillips (The Wall Street Journal)

How US Uses Carrot and Stick Tactics on Human Rights in East Africa, by Aggrey Mutambo (The East African)

Islamic State Doubles Its Presence in Somalia, US Military Says, by Mohamed Omar Ahmed (Bloomberg)

North Africa
The United States and Morocco: Strengthening Strategic Ties for a Lasting Solution in the Sahara, by Said Temsamani (Eurasia Review)

Assistant Secretary Stewart Travels to Morocco (U.S. Department of State)

Southern Africa
Biden to Visit Angola in December, Fulfilling Vow to Visit Africa, by Skylar Woodhouse & Akayla Gardner (Bloomberg)

Joe Biden in Africa: US President Has Ignored the Continent for His Entire Term – Why He’s Visiting Angola, by Christopher Isike & Samuel Oyewole (The Conversation)

Biden’s Angolan Trip Postponed but Focus Stays on Clampdown Against Dissent, Human Rights, by Lenin Ndebele (News24)

US President Biden’s Postponed Angola Trip Is a Missed Opportunity, by Kurt Davis Jr. (The Africa Report)

Why President Joe Biden Is Going to Africa – It’s Not (Just) About China, by Tibor Nagy (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)

Cementing US-Angola Ties: The Significance of Biden’s Visit, by Zenge Simakoloyi, Piers Pigou, Borges Nhamirre (Institute for Security Studies)

Angola Caught in Tug-of-War Between China, US, by Chrispin Mwakideu (DW)

As Biden Travels to Angola, Human Rights Must be Front and Center, by Kate Hixon (Amnesty International)

Biden to Visit Angola as Global Powers Vie for African Influence, by Rachel Savage (The Guardian)

Biden’s Angola Visit ‘Not a Snub to SA’ – Analysts, by Brian Sokutu (The Citizen)

On the Killings of Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe in Mozambique (U.S. Department of State)

US Urges Probe Into Killings of Two Mozambique Opposition Figures (Reuters)

IRI Releases Preliminary Statement on Mozambique’s General Election (International Republican Institute)

United States and Zambia Sign Agreement to Catalyze Growth in the Agricultural Sector (U.S. Department of State)

West Africa
The US May Have Lost the Sahel — But Russia is No Savior, by Raphael Parens, Christopher Faulkner, Marcel Plichta (Foreign Policy Research Institute)

Taking the US Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa to the Next Step: Secondary Cities in the Western Sahel, by Oge Onubogu (Wilson Center)

Burkina Faso’s Junta Suspends VOA Over Insurgency Comments (Reuters)

Reshaping Conflict Prevention in Coastal West Africa, by Emily Shaffer (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
Africa in the New Cold War, October 17, 12:00pm EDT (Hudson Institute)

Check out Judd Devermont on the State of U.S. Foreign Policy in Africa (The China in Africa Podcast, China Global South Project)
& US Military Head Speaks on AFRICOM Operations, Growing Insecurity in East Africa (Africa 54, Voice of America)

October 1, 2024

News & Analysis
Top Picks
The U.S. Has a Better Offer for Africa Than Debt, by Henry Tugendhat (Foreign Policy)

Be Kennedy, Not Kissinger: What Cold War Competition in Guinea and Angola Can Teach Us About U.S. Influence in Western Africa, by Nathan Heath (War on the Rocks)

Continent At-Large
US Interests and African Agendas: Africa Policy After the 2024 Election, by Amandine Gnanguênon (German Marshall Fund)

5 Major Factors Shaping Positive Views of America in Africa, by Adekunle Agbetiloye (Business Insider Africa)

Africa’s Place in the Emerging Global Order, by Adekeye Adebajo (Project Syndicate)

The Complex Trends and Patterns in Arms Transfers to Sub-Saharan Africa, by Pieter Wezeman (Italian Institute for International Political Studies)

Biden’s Angola Trip to Focus on Lobito, as the US Eyes China-Partnered Tanzania, by Lenin Ndebele (News24)

China and US Compete for Control to Transport African Critical Minerals, by Thaïs Brouck (The Africa Report)

Is China-US Competition Driving the Africa Proposal in the UN?, by Kate Bartlett (Voice of America)

Biden Reaches Out to Africa at UN General Assembly, by Anita Powell (Voice of America)

U.S. Development Agencies Should Embrace AI to Transform the U.S.-Africa Relationship, by Ramsey Day (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Could the United States’ Future Liftoffs Take Place in Africa?, by Temidayo Oniosun (Atlantic Council)

Prosper Africa Embraces Its New Investment Role During UN Week, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

How Lower American Interest Rates Will Boost Africa (The Economist)

The U.S. Needs a New Partnership with the African Union to Revive its Reputation with Multilaterals, by Ashley Collins (Amnesty International)

US to Donate 1 Million Mpox Vaccine Doses to Halt Outbreak in Africa, by Trevor Hunnicutt & Julie Steenhuysen (Reuters)

AFRICOM, SECNAV, African Ambassadors to the U.S., Deep Dive on Shared Interests (AFRICOM)

AFRICOM, African Militaries Unite to Combat Gender-Based Violence, by Mqondisi Dube (Voice of America)

How the Wagner Group Has Escaped Sanctions, by Owen Matthews (The Spectator)

LGBTQ Africans Remember That Kamala Harris Stood Up for Them, by Daniel Volman (Washington Blade)

Supporting Credible Elections to Advance Democracy Globally in 2024 and Beyond, by Katherine Ellena, Mario Mitre, Patrick Quirk (Atlantic Council)

How Washington Lost Its Bid to Challenge China’s Influence in Africa, by Hannan Hussain (TRT World – Turkish State Media)

Central Africa/Sudans
Washington’s Mixed Messages on Fueling the War in Sudan, by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations)

The Impotent Americans and Sudan’s Civil War, by Daniel Volman (Eurasia Review)

US, France, Germany to Host Sudan Ministerial on Sidelines of UN Summit, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Resetting U.S. Engagement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Gabon: US Invites Coup Leader Nguema to Discuss Transition, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

The United States Announces New Efforts to Support Democratic Governance in Gabon (U.S. Agency for International Development)

East Africa/Horn
Langley’s AFRICOM East Africa Trip Highlights Resilience, Commitment Amid Ongoing Terrorism Threats, by Pearl Matibe (defenceWeb)

Ruto Woos US Investors to Tap into Kenya’s Market Potential, by Emmanuel Wanjala (The Star)

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Kenyan President William Ruto Before Their Meeting (U.S. Department of State)

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Kenyan President Ruto (U.S. Department of State)

Special Envoy for Sudan Perriello Travels to Kenya and Ethiopia (U.S. Department of State)

North Africa
US Agrees To Sell New Missiles To Egypt (Agence France Presse)

Southern Africa
Why Joe Biden’s One African Trip Will Be to Angola – and What It Could Mean, by Lenin Ndebele (News24)

Why Is Joe Biden Going to Angola? (Agence France Presse)

Biden Aims to Show ‘Commitment to African Partners’ with Angola Visit, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Angola, A Key Partner in US Ambitions for Africa (Agence France Presse)

How Angola Views Biden’s Visit, by Arnaldo Vieira (Nation Africa)

Biden to Visit Africa Next Month for First Time as President, Keeping a Promise, by Kathryn Watson (CBS News)

Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s Travel to Germany and Angola (The White House)

Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Lobito Corridor: Supporting Transcontinental Connectivity (U.S. Department of State)

Lobito Corridor at Centre of Biden’s Agenda in Angola Visit, by Arnaldo Vieira (The East African)

The Lobito Corridor: Washington’s Answer To Belt And Road In Africa (Geopolitical Monitor)

Angola in Talks With Starlink Over Introducing Satellite Service, by Candido Mendes (Bloomberg)

Keep Disagreements with South Africa in Check, by Cameron Hudson (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

US-South Africa Relations Are Strained, but Metals and Minerals Might Be a Soothing Balm, by Scott Firsing (London School of Economics)

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with South African Foreign Minister Lamola (U.S. Department of State)

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola Before Their Meeting (U.S. Department of State)

US, Zambia Enhance Security Cooperation and Capabilities with UN Engagement Training, by Joe Legros (DVIDS)

USAID Administrator Power Spotlights Democratic Opportunity in Malawi and Announces New Commitments from the United States and Partners to Bolster Progress (U.S. Agency for International Development)

West Africa
As the Sahel Spirals, It Requires Consistent U.S. Engagement, by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele & Cameron Hudson (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Why West Africa Is Now the World’s Terrorism Hotspot, by David Lewis, Jessica Donati, Kaylee Kang (Reuters)

Liberia’s War Crime Tribunal Fails Before It Begins, by Michael Rubin (National Security Journal)

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Senegalese President Faye (U.S. Department of State)

United States and Sierra Leone Sign Compact to Transform Energy Sector (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
Foreign Policy, Interrupted: How Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Blunt America’s Impact Abroad, September 26, 10:00am EDT (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

UNGA79: Overview of U.S. Priorities in Africa, September 26, 10:15am EDT (U.S. Department of State)

UNGA79: Lobito Corridor – Trans Africa Connectivity, September 26, 1:00pm EDT (U.S. Department of State)

Check out China-Africa Relations: Threat to US Interests? (Need to Know, Wilson Center) & Railroads and Rivalries in Southern Africa (The China in Africa Podcast, China Global South Project)

September 24, 2024

Upcoming Events
Foreign Policy, Interrupted: How Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Blunt America’s Impact Abroad, September 26, 10:00am EDT (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

News & Analysis
Top Picks
How a U.S. Ally Uses Aid as a Cover in War, by Declan Walsh & Christoph Koettl (The New York Times)

Why Does the US Media Ignore Africa?, by Alex Skopic (Current Affairs)

Continent At-Large
Election 2024 and the Future of U.S.-Africa Policy, by Michelle Gavin & Ebenezer Obadare (Council on Foreign Relations)

Congress Pushes Foreign Aid Bill to Address Instability in Africa, by Jack Detsch (Foreign Policy)

Where US Conflict Prevention Falls Short and How to Fix It, by Allison Minor (Brookings Institution)

Rule-of-Law Promotion Should Amount to More Than a Rounding Error, by Hilary Matfess (Foreign Policy)

AGOA, Agoing, Agoner? Risks of US Trade Policy for Africa, by Ronak Gopaldas (Institute for Security Studies)

The National Security Fallout of Abandoning Africa, by Mallory Sailer (Washington Examiner)

Africa and the US “Non-Proposal” on UN Security Council Reform, by Tim Murithi (Wilson Center)

As China Pledges Billions to Africa, the U.S. Must Prioritize the Continent, by Hannah Johnson & Albert Torres (George W. Bush Institute)

China Woos Africa While America Lecture, by Diana Furchtgott-Roth (The Heritage Foundation)

China’s African Safari and How It Managed to Outmanoeuvre US, by Amir Zia (TRT World – Turkish State Media)

Russia and U.S. Religious Conservatives See Common Foe in Africa: Gay Rights, by Nicholas Bariyo & Gabriele Steinhauser (The Wall Street Journal)

US Army Banking on Medical Aid to Strengthen African Ties Amid Global Competition, by Rebecca Holland (Stars and Stripes)

US Arms Control Chief Looks to Africa for Stewardship in AI, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

US, African Partners Begin Planning Largest Military Exercise on African Continent, by Billy Lacroix (DVIDS)

US Ships Record Volumes of Thermal Coal to Africa, by Gavin Maguire (Reuters)

JPMorgan CEO Heads to Africa Next Month, by Yinka Adegoke (Semafor)

What Is US Foreign Assistance?, by George Ingram (Brookings Institution)

White House Releases Long-Planned Global Development Strategy, by Michael Igoe & Elissa Miolene (Devex)

Central Africa/Sudans
US General: US, Chad Planning Return of US Troops, by Carla Babb (Voice of America)

US Troops Heading Back to Chad?, by Dan M. Ford (Responsible Statecraft)

US Forces Return to Chad, but with a Different Objective, by Ekene Lionel (Military Africa)

Chad Denies Information About Imminent Return of US Troops (Sputnik – Russian State Media)

The Sudan Crisis Has Become a Magnet for Foreign Malign Influence and Strategic Corruption, by Andrea Currie-Edwards (Atlantic Council)

Joint Statement from Troika Capitals on South Sudan (U.S. Department of State)

East Africa/Horn
Kenya-US Strengthen Security Ties as Top Commander Visits, by Pearl Matibe (The Standard)

Freedom on Trial: Eritrean Activists Face Legal Battles in America, by Michael Rubin (National Security Journal)

North Africa
Algeria Signs with US Lobbying Firm Linked to Israel, by Farid Alilat (The Africa Report)

Southern Africa
Washington Woos Angola, by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations)

United States Snubs South African Defence Airshow, by Erika Gibson (City Press)

SANDF Blames US for Withdrawal from Defence Expo, Analysts Warn of Future Implications, by Marizka Coetzer (The Citizen)

Lamola Concludes Successful Working Visit to the US (South African Government News Agency)

West Africa
US General Explains US Movements, Partnerships in West Africa, by Carla Babb (Voice of America)

How the US Should Respond to Mali’s Descent into Chaos, by Alex Thurston (Responsible Statecraft)

Amid International Silence, Guinea’s Coup Regime Imperils Transition, by Shobit Manchanda (United States Institute of Peace)

The Sahel Is Now an Epicenter of Drug Smuggling. That Is Terrible News for Everyone., by Alexander Tripp (Atlantic Council)

U.S. Africa Command and Cameroon Armed Forces Host West Africa Logistics Conference in Douala (AFRICOM)

Recent Events
In Conversation with South Africa’s New Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, September 17, 10:00am EDT (Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft)

Securing Africa’s Critical Mineral Wealth: A Role for Sovereign Wealth Funds, September 17, 10:00am EDT (Wilson Center)

Africa’s Central Role in the Chinese Communist Party’s Global Ambitions, September 18, 5:00pm EDT (The Institute for World Politics)

Getting to the Crux of Financing Infrastructure in Africa, September 24, 7:00am EDT (Center for Global Development)

Check out US AFRICOM Chief Discusses Mission Against Extremist Groups(Daybreak Africa, Voice of America) & US Politicians Commemorate First Africa Day at Capitol Hill (Africa 54, Voice of America)

September 17, 2024

Upcoming Events
In Conversation with South Africa’s New Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, September 17, 10:00am EDT (Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft)

Securing Africa’s Critical Mineral Wealth: A Role for Sovereign Wealth Funds, September 17, 10:00am EDT (Wilson Center)

Africa’s Central Role in the Chinese Communist Party’s Global Ambitions, September 18, 5:00pm EDT (The Institute for World Politics)

Getting to the Crux of Financing Infrastructure in Africa, September 24, 7:00am EDT (Center for Global Development)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
To Challenge State Capture, the US Needs a Strategy of State Retrieval, by John Prendergast & Damon Wilson (Just Security)

Continent At-Large
US Supports Two Permanent UN Security Council Seats for Africa, by Michelle Nichols (Reuters)

United States Backs Africa’s U.N. Security Council Bid, With a Catch, by Lynsey Chutel & Farnaz Fassihi (The New York Times)

US Push for More African Seats at the UN Reveals Continental Rivalries, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

The Strategies Driving the Players in Competition for Africa’s Critical Minerals, by Sarah Way (Atlantic Council)

China Overpowers US in Africa, by Micah McCartney (Newsweek)

What Does the Emerging China-Africa Minerals Consensus Mean for U.S. Initiatives?, by Cobus van Staden (United States Institute of Peace)

China’s Bid for a Bigger Security Role in Africa, by Carla Freeman (United States Institute of Peace)

US-China Rivalry for Military Influence in Africa Ramps Up, by Kate Bartlett (Voice of America)

Digital Press Briefing on the New AFRICOM Strategy and U.S. Military Cooperation in Africa (U.S. Department of State/AFRICOM)

U.S. Military Strategy in Africa Remains ‘Partnership-Centric’ – AFRICOM’s General Langley (allAfrica)

Can Democracies Deliver? Thoughts Following the 2024 China-Africa Summit, by Nikolas K. Gvosdev (Foreign Policy Research Institute)

Russia Is Riding an Anti-Colonial Wave Across Africa, by Benjamin R. Young (Foreign Policy)

US Committed to Combat African Mpox Until Outbreak Under Control, by Janice Kew (Bloomberg)

Harris or Trump: America’s Africa Strategy Is Unlikely to Change, by Joel Odota (DevPolicy Blog)

Biden’s African Diaspora Council Marks a Year, But Its Future Is Unclear, by Eden Harris (Semafor)

US Pledges Support for Africa’s AI Goals, by Timothy Obiezu (Voice of America)

Cold War, the Bible and America’s Accidental Diplomats in Africa (Nation Africa)

Special Operations Command Africa Holds Change of Responsibility Ceremony, by Sierra Melendez (DVIDS)

Central Africa/Sudans
3 US Citizens Sentenced to Death in Congo over Role in Failed Coup (Reuters)

Three Americans Sentenced to Death for Failed Congo Coup, by Ruth Maclean (The New York Times)

The US-Russia Battle for Influence in Africa Plays Out in Central African Republic, by Sam Mednick (Associated Press)

Why Are United States’ Peace Efforts in Sudan Failing?, by Amgad Fareid Eltayeb (The Africa Report)

East Africa/Horn
Nairobi Looks to US Rather Than Russia for Its Nuclear Programme (Africa Intelligence)

AFRICOM Commander Visits Somalia to Strengthen Partnership (AFRICOM)

AFRICOM Leadership Visits Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (AFRICOM)

North Africa
US Grants Egypt $1.3 Billion in Military Aid, Overriding Rights Conditions, by Simon Lewis (Reuters)

Egypt to Replace US F-16s With China’s J-10C Fighter Jets, by Christine Casimiro (The Defense Post)

Southern Africa
Biden to Make First Africa Visit with Angola Trip in Coming Weeks, Sources Say, by Andea Shalal (Reuters)

Lobito Corridor Plan Illustrates Stark Poverty of American Imagination in Africa, by David Hundeyin (The Pan African Review)

Lamola Embarks on a Working Visit to the United States (South African Government News Agency)

South Africa’s Ties with U.S. Adversaries Continue Unabated, by Connor Pfeiffer & David May (Foundation for the Defense of Democracies)

U.S.-South Africa Working Group on African and Global Issues Chaired by Under Secretary Bass and South African DIRCO Director General Dangor (U.S. Department of State)

What Americans Can Learn from South Africa’s Example of Messy and Imperfect Compromise, by Sam Sawyer (America Magazine)

Non-Appearance of US Military Aircraft at AAD Laid at Motshekga’s Door(defenceWeb)

US Ex-Im Bank Eyes Investment in Another Mozambique LNG Project, by Paul Burkhardt (Bloomberg)

US, Mozambique Armed Forces Strengthen Ties Through Professional Exchange, by Billy Lacroix (U.S. Army)

Zimbabwe Dam Partners Drop US Lobbying After Failing to Secure Funding, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

AFRICOM’s Senior Enlisted Leader Conference Wraps Up in Malawi(AFRICOM)

West Africa
How Foreign Intervention Failed Mali, by John A. Lechner, Sergey Eledinov, Adam Sandlor (Foreign Policy)

U.S. Forces Try to Regroup as al Qaeda, Islamic State Sow Terror in West Africa, by Michael M. Phillips & Benoit Faucon (The Wall Street Journal)

US Troops in West Africa ‘Recalibrating’ Amid Coups, Spread of Terror Groups, by John Vandiver (Stars and Stripes)

After Losing Access to Part of the Sahel, the US Courts Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Benin for Bases, by Lenin Ndebele (News24)

Can the US Find New Partners in West Africa After Niger Exit?, by Shola Lawal (Al Jazeera)

US Directs Military Aid to Ivory Coast, Benin and Ghana After Being Driven Out of Niger (Africa Intelligence)

US Military Completes Withdrawal from Junta-Ruled Niger (Associated Press)

U.S. Withdrawal from Niger Completed (AFRICOM)

Is Nigeria Using Russia as an Excuse for Bloody Crackdown?, by Taiwo Hassan (Responsible Statecraft)

Recent Events
Beyond Boundaries: Shaping the Future of U.S.- Africa Policy, September 11, 10:00am EDT (Asha Strategies LLC)

Great Power Competition in Africa, September 11, 10:00am EDT (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

Keep Eyes on Sudan: Mass Displacement, Food Insecurity, and Sudanese Women, September 11, 4:00pm EDT (Georgetown University)

Upcoming Digital Press Briefing on the New AFRICOM Strategy and U.S. Military Cooperation in Africa, September 12, 2:30am EDT (U.S. Department of State/AFRICOM)

Check out US Congresswoman Encourages Biden Administration to Increase Sudan Aid, and more (Africa 54, Voice of America), Does America Need an Africa Strategy? (Rewind and Reconnoiter, War on the Rocks), and Biden Treks for Tracks in Angola (Fault Lines, National Security Institute)

September 10, 2024

Upcoming Events
Beyond Boundaries: Shaping the Future of U.S.- Africa Policy, September 11, 10:00am EDT (Asha Strategies LLC)

Keep Eyes on Sudan: Mass Displacement, Food Insecurity, and Sudanese Women, September 11, 4:00pm EDT (Georgetown University)

Upcoming Digital Press Briefing on the New AFRICOM Strategy and U.S. Military Cooperation in Africa, September 12, 2:30am EDT (U.S. Department of State/AFRICOM)

Africa’s Central Role in the Chinese Communist Party’s Global Ambitions, September 18, 5:00pm EDT (The Institute for World Politics)

Getting to the Crux of Financing Infrastructure in Africa, September 24, 7:00am EDT (Center for Global Development)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Why Niger Left the West and Embraced Russia, by Floriana Bulfon (New Lines Magazine)

Continent At-Large
AGOA Forum 2024: Insights, Economic Benefits for Africa, and the Road Ahead, by Witney Schneidman & Natalie Dicharry (Brookings Institution)

Chinese and Russian Disinformation Flourishes in Some African Countries – Anti-US sentiment Helps It Take Hold, by Dani Madrid-Morales, Herman Wasserman, Saifuddin Ahmed (The Conversation)

US Must Get Serious About China and Africa, by Aleksandra Gadzala Tirziu (Washington Examiner)

Central Africa/Sudans
US Pitches Deal to Thwart Chinese Military Base in Africa, by Peter Martin (Bloomberg)

Three Reasons to Tread Lightly in Sudan, by Haleigh Bartos & John Chin (The National Interest)

Special Envoy for Sudan Perriello Travels to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye (U.S. Department of State)

East Africa/Horn
US Extends Ethiopia Sanctions Programme for Another Year, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

U.S. Special Operations Commander Makes Frontline Visit in Somalia (Garowe Online)

North Africa
What Would Another Tebboune Victory Mean for U.S.-Algeria Relations?, by Sabina Henneberg & Souhire Medini (The Washington Institute for Near East Policy)

Top U.S. General Meets with Alleged War Criminal in Libya, by Nick Turse (The Intercept)

Southern Africa
Angola Looks to Cement Washington Ties as Host of 2025 US‑Africa Business Summit, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

US-Backed Angola Rail Plan Secures $200 Million From Key Bank, by Matthew Hill (Bloomberg)

U.S. Army and Mozambique Defense Armed Forces Strengthen Military Ties Through Professional Exchange, by Billy Lacroix (DVIDS)

West Africa
Islamist Extremists Are a Threat to Ghana, Togo, and Benin, by R. Maxwell Bone (Foreign Policy)

US Military Is Leaving Niger Even Less Secure: Why It Didn’t Succeed in Combating Terrorism, by Olayinka Ajala (DefenceWeb)

Will Liberia Be the Wagner Group’s Next Victim?, by Michael Rubin (Washington Examiner)

US, Ghana Armed Forces Strengthen Civil-Military Operations, by Joe Legros (DVIDS)

Nigerian Brothers Jailed in US for Sextortion Scam Targeting Teenagers, by Joe Tidy (BBC)

State Department Partners with the Government of Nigeria to Host the “Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa” Conference in Lagos (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
African Diaspora Day On The Hill, September 9, 2:00pm EDT (Office of Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick)

Check out Fostering Transformative Leadership: The Mandela Washington Fellowship (Into Africa, Center for Strategic & International Studies) & Geopolitical Implications of the Crisis between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Somalia (Hudson Institute)

September 4, 2024

Upcoming Events
African Diaspora Day On The Hill, September 9, 2:00pm EDT (Office of Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick)

Keep Eyes on Sudan: Mass Displacement, Food Insecurity, and Sudanese Women, September 11, 4:00pm EDT (Georgetown University)

Africa’s Central Role in the Chinese Communist Party’s Global Ambitions, September 18, 5:00pm EDT (The Institute for World Politics)

Getting to the Crux of Financing Infrastructure in Africa, September 24, 7:00am EDT (Center for Global Development)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
The Peril of Ignoring the Legitimacy of Violent Non-State Actors, by Santiago Stocker & Kathleen Gallagher Cunningham (Irregular Warfare Initiative)

Continent At-Large
A Human Rights-Focused U.S. Engagement with the African Union: A Human Rights & Multilateralism Policy Paper (Amnesty International)

Renewing the US African Growth Act Is a Strategic Imperative, by Ed Royce & Daniel Runde (Devex)

US‑Led Partnership to Develop Atlantic Coast Takes Root in Africa, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Africa Eyes a Piece of the Space Pie, by Scott Firsing (International Policy Digest)

US-Africa Military Conference to Discuss Legal Advisers’ Role in Troop Deployment, by Mqondisi Dube (Voice of America)

Africa’s Debt Crisis Has ‘Catastrophic Implications’ for the World, by Patricia Cohen (The New York Times)

Central Africa/Sudans
Joe Biden Can Stop China’s Cobalt Monopoly, by Michael Rubin (National Security Journal)

To End Sudan’s War, Pressure the UAE, by Yasir Zaidan (Foreign Policy)

US Urges Certain ‘Negative Actors’ Not to Fuel Sudan’s Civil War, by Nike Ching (Voice of America)

US Quietly Reopens Talks with Chad Amid Challenges in Africa Posture, by Noah Robertson (DefenseNews)

US Imposes Visa Restrictions on South Sudanese Officials for Taxing Aid Shipments, by Kiliane Gateau (Voice of America)

Promoting Accountability for Undermining a Sustainable Peace by Obstructing Humanitarian Aid in South Sudan (U.S. Department of State)

East Africa/Horn
US Looks to Tanzania for Eastward Expansion of Lobito Rail Project, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

A Stronger U.S.-Kenya Partnership Must Center the Kenyan People, by Francesca Nyakora (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Kenyan Analyst Falsely Accuses US of Meddling in Upcoming AU Elections, by Priscilla Mines (Voice of America)

Kenya, US Convene Forum to Bolster Nuclear Security, by Kennedy Mureithi (The Standard)

The Horn of Africa States And The Region’s Candidate: Harris Or Trump?, by Suleiman Walhad (Eurasia Review)

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Hammer Travels to Belgium, Kenya, and Ethiopia (U.S. Department of State)

North Africa
The U.S.-Morocco FTA After Twenty Years, by Sabine Henneberg (The Washington Institute for Near East Policy)

US Calls on Libyans Not to Use Oil ‘for Political Ends’, AFRICOM Chief Meets Haftar (The Arab Weekly)

AFRICOM Commander Visits Tunisia (AFRICOM)

Southern Africa
The U.S. Can Provide an Alternative to China in Sub-Saharan Africa, by Ben Kallas & Glenn Chafetz (World Politics Review)

BCG Admits It Paid Bribes to Win Consulting Business in Angola, by Stephen Foley & David Pilling (Financial Times)

Boston Consulting Group Avoided Penalty for Angola Bribes by Stripping Partners of Equity, by Dylan Tokar (The Wall Street Journal)

Ramaphosa Should Not Align South Africa with NATO’s Enemies, Warns Defence Analyst Kobus Marais, by Linda van Tilburg (National Security News)

West Africa
Nigeria Receives 10,000 Doses of Mpox Vaccines from US, by Camillus Eboh (Reuters)

U.S. and Ghana Nuclear Firms Sign Landmark Commercial Agreement for Small Modular Reactor Project in Ghana (U.S. Department of State)

The United States Responds to Urgent Humanitarian Needs in Mali Following Devastating Floods (U.S. Agency for International Development)

Ambassador Lapenn Travel to Côte d’Ivoire (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
Check out Why the U.S. is Struggling to Compete in the Global Competition for Critical Resources (The China-Global South Podcast, The China Global South Project) & Ghanaians Pay Close Attention to US Elections (Voice of America)

August 27, 2024

Upcoming Events
Keep Eyes on Sudan: Mass Displacement, Food Insecurity, and Sudanese Women, September 11, 4:00pm EDT (Georgetown University)

Africa’s Central Role in the Chinese Communist Party’s Global Ambitions, September 18, 5:00pm EDT (The Institute for World Politics)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
The US-Backed Railway Sparking a Battle for African Copper, by Andres Schipani (Financial Times)

Continent At-Large
Africa in Focus: Shifting the Paradigm Together, by Max Primorac (The Heritage Foundation)

Why America Must Stand with Africa’s Human Rights Defenders, by Berivan Orucoglu (The Hill)

The Foreign Powers Competing to Win Influence in Africa, by David Pilling (Financial Times)

Africa, the New Frontline Between the West and Russia, by Frédéric Bobin & Benjamin Quénelle (Le Monde)

Why Russian Mercenaries in Africa Are Increasingly Active, by Martin K. N. Siele (Semafor)

The New Influencers: A Primer on the Expanding Role of Middle Powers in Africa, by Grace Jones & Nils Olsen (Belfer Center)

Addressing and Preventing Coups in Africa: What the United States Can Do, by Vanda Felbab-Brown (Brookings Institution)

Has Africa Become a Battleground for the New Cold War? It’s China vs America in Mother Continent, by Prabhash K. Dutta (Firstpost)

US Official Holds Talks in Africa on Responsible Use of Military AI, by Timothy Obiezu (Voice of America)

Will the Democratic Republic of Congo Become the New Ethiopia?, by Michael Rubin (National Security Journal)

Where Is Kamala Harris on US Foreign Aid?, by Elissa Miolene (Devex)

Refining the Lobito Corridor: The Future of Cobalt in Sub-Saharan Africa, by Isabelle King (Harvard International Review)

Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Matza’s Travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania (U.S. Department of State)

United States Announces More Than $64 Million in Additional Humanitarian Assistance in Sub-Saharan Africa (U.S. Department of State)

United States Response to the Clade I Mpox Outbreak in Several African Countries (U.S. Department of State)

Central Africa/Sudans
Funding DRC’s Army Would Prevent a Regional War, Not Start One, by Avery Warfield (The Defense Post)

They Fled Genocide, Hoping to Find Safety in America. They Found Apathy., by Minnah Arshad (USA Today)

United States Welcomes Resumption of Humanitarian Assistance Across the Border at Adré from Chad and Dabbah Road into Famine-Stricken Areas of Sudan (U.S. Department of State)

East Africa/Horn
The Coming War Nobody Is Talking About, by Afyare A. Elmi & Yusuf Hassan (The New York Times)

Al-Shabaab Is 18 Years Old: Six Factors Behind the Somali Militant Group’s Resilience, by Stig Jarle Hansen (The Conversation)

Nairobi Gears Up for Major US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit, by Felix Kipkemoi (The Star)

North Africa
Unrest and US Interest in Tunisia (i24 News)

Southern Africa
Zimbabwe Turns to the US for Help with Bulawayo’s Water Woes, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

West Africa
The Next Administration Must Keep an Eye on Nigeria, by Michael Rubin (National Security Journal)

10 Things to Know About Jessica Davis Ba, the US Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, by Aïssatou Diallo & Baudelaire Mieu (The Africa Report)

AFRICOM Scrambles to Sustain Intel Operations in West Africa, by Aja Melville (Forecast International)

U.S. and Gambian Armed Forces Strengthen Military Ties Through Professional Exchange, by Billy Lacroix (DVIDS)

Recent Events
The Wagner Group and Russia in Africa One Year After Prigozhin’s Death, August 20, 10:00am EDT (Brookings Institution)

Intergenerational Solidarity: An Issue for African Health Systems, August 26, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capitol Campus)

Check out Rethinking U.S.-Africa Strategy (Into Africa, Center for Strategic & International Studies) & Africa Enlisted Development Strategy (AFRICOM)

August 20, 2024

Upcoming Events
The Wagner Group and Russia in Africa One Year After Prigozhin’s Death, August 20, 10:00am EDT (Brookings Institution)

Intergenerational Solidarity: An Issue for African Health Systems, August 26, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capitol Campus)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
The Geopolitics of the War in Sudan, by Ken Opalo (An Africanist Perspective)

Continent At-Large
China and the US Battle It Out Over Africa, by Elizabeth Schmidt (Responsible Statecraft)

Enhancing African Agency Amid Global Geopolitical Competition, by Gustavo de Carvalho (South African Institute of International Affairs)

Critical Minerals Investment Must Avoid the Mistakes of the Past in African Mining, by Rama Yade & Sibi Nyaoga (Atlantic Council)

Why the Africa Growth Opportunity Act Must Be Renewed, by Ellington Arnold (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Trade Fact of the Week: The ‘African Growth and Opportunity Act’ Expires Next Year, by Ed Gresser (Progressive Policy Institute)

African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Civil Society and Organized Labor Forum Summary Report, by Oge Onubogu & Juliet Lancey (Wilson Center)

AFRICOM Searches for New Drones to Replace MQ-9 Reaper, by Ekene Lionel (Military Africa)

CACI to Deliver Intel Expertise for US Army Europe and Africa, by Rojoef Manuel (The Defense Post)

African Immigrant and Diaspora Community PACs Endorse Kamala Harris (GhanaWeb)

Central Africa/Sudans
As Famine Deepens in Sudan, U.S. Leads New Push for Cease-Fire, by Declan Walsh (The New York Times)

US Applauds Sudan’s Decision to Open Adre Border Crossing with Chad, by Nike Ching (Voice of America)

The Obstacles Facing U.S.-Led Sudan Peace Talks (World Politics Review)

The Year(s) of Magical Thinking on Sudan, by Payton Knopf (Just Security)

Sudan to Send Delegation to Cairo for Talks with Saudi and U.S. Officials (Sudan Tribune)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Head of the Sovereign Council of Sudan Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (U.S. Department of State)

M23 Isn’t the Problem, Poor Governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo Is, by Michael Rubin (National Security Journal)

Ending Africa’s Longest and Deadliest War, by Michael O’Hanlon & John Reece (The Hill)

Power Africa Coordinator Visits DRC to Advance Sustainable Energy Initiatives (U.S. Agency for International Development)

United States Government’s Response to the Clade I Mpox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Other Countries in the Region (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

East Africa/Horn
The Death of an Islamic State Global Leader in Africa?, by Austin Doctor & Gina Ligon (CTC Sentinel)

North Africa
Blinken Heads To Egypt On Gaza Truce Push (Agence France Presse)

Southern Africa
South Africa’s Foreign Minister Wants Better Relations with the West (The Economist)

Botswana Election: Opposition Leader Duma Boko Turns to Canadian Firm for Lobbying, by Sheriff Bojang Jnr (The Africa Report)

Botswana, US Address Challenges Facing Women in Military, by Mqondisi Dube (Voice of America)

Integrating Women in the Military: US, Botswana Hold Women, Peace and Security Exchange During Southern Accord (DVIDS)

US, Botswana Forces Conclude Successful Southern Accord 2024, by Joe Legros (U.S. Army)

West Africa
An Iron Curtain in the Sahel, by Kyle Robertson (Washington Institute for Near East Policy)

Assistant Secretary Noyes Travels to Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
Check out The Role of Africa in Russia’s Geopolitics (The Russia File, Wilson Center)

August 6, 2024

Upcoming Events
African Leadership Perspectives Series: A Conversation with H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, August 6, 10:30am EDT (Wilson Center)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
How America’s Trade Program with Africa Bolsters Security and Peace, by Thomas P. Sheehy (United States Institute of Peace)

Continent At-Large
How Would Trump 2.0 Impact African Economies?, by Ronak Gopaldas (Institute for Security Studies)

The Threat From Overseas Chinese Military Bases Is Overblown, by Nathan Beauchamp-Mustafaga & Howard Wong (The Diplomat)

US-China Rivalry and the Future of Africa, by Amara Galileo (E-International Relations)

‘We Need to Do More’ to Challenge China in the Global South, Says Kurt Campbell, by Eric Olander (The Africa Report)

Washington Is Losing Footing in Global South as Its Exploitative Strategy Faces Rejection, by Joyce Chimbi (Global Times – Chinese State Media)

Reflecting on the U.S. Strategy Towards Africa: Embracing Partnership & Pragmatism, by Natalie Colbert (Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs)

US Doubles Down on Rights at Africa Trade Forum, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

AGOA Remains Cornerstone of U.S. Trade and Investment with Sub-Saharan Africa, by James Amoh Junior (Ghana News Agency)

Biden Administration Wants ‘Modernization, Re-Authorization’ of U.S.-Africa Trade, by Boakai Fofana (allAfrica)

Race to Reauthorization: What a New House Bill Would Mean for DFC, by Erin Collinson, Clemence Landers, Justin Hurley (Center for Global Development)

The US Elections and Africa, by Charles Onunaiju (The Sun Nigeria)

To Sheila Jackson Lee, Influential Voice for Africa in U.S Congress, by Chido Nwangwu (ThisDay)

Central Africa/Sudans
The UAE’s Secret War in Sudan: How International Pressure Can Stop the Genocidal Violence, by John Prendergast & Anthony Lake (Foreign Affairs)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Head of the Sovereign Council of Sudan Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (U.S. Department of State)

Welcoming the Ceasefire in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (U.S. Department of State)

Rwanda: Defiant Delegation Slams ‘Misguided’ US Criticism, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Gabon: US Invites Coup Leader Nguema to Discuss Transition, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

East Africa/Horn
Kenya‑US: 10 Crucial Issues to Tackle at the Trade Talks, by Jeff Otieno (The Africa Report)

USAID to Continue Funding Kenya in Developing Its Vaccine Manufacturing Plant, by Rosemary Onchari (Capital News)

Trump Camp Ponders Somaliland Strategy (Africa Intelligence)

Under Secretary Zeya’s Travel to Kenya and Ethiopia (U.S. Department of State)

North Africa
After 2011, the United States Stayed on the Sidelines—to Libya’s Detriment, by Ben Fishman (Atlantic Council)

Washington Comes to Terms with Prospect of Chinese Gigafactories (Africa Intelligence)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty (U.S. Department of State)

Southern Africa
‘South African Rand Would Weather a Trump Victory’, Says Old Mutual, by David Whitehouse (The Africa Report)

America Refutes Harare’s Claim That Its Diplomat is A ‘Fugitive from Justice’, by Blessing Zulu (Voice of America)

The Unraveling of a Charity’s Feel-Good Story About Saving African Orphans, by Khadeeja Safdar (The Wall Street Journal)

West Africa
US Military Is Leaving Niger Even Less Secure: Why It Didn’t Succeed in Combating Terrorism, by Olayinka Ajala (The Conversation)

How the U.S. Military Cultivated — and Then Lost — a Key African Ally, by Rachel Chason (The Washington Post)

Pentagon Completes Pullout from Niger, 5 Years After Building a $110 Million Drone Base, by Alison Bath (Stars and Stripes)

Pentagon Hands Over Last Base in Niger as Extremism Spreads in the Sahel, by Eric Schmitt (The New York Times)

U.S. Troops Withdraw from Strategic West African Base as Militant Threat Grows, by Rachel Chason (The Washington Post)

United States and Ghana Launch Africa’s First Nuclear Energy Training Hub (Office of Nuclear Energy)

Recent Events
Check out Attitude Adjustment: Can the US Do Better in Africa? (Net Assessment, War on the Rocks), Jendayi Frazer on U.S.-China Geopolitical Competition in Africa (The China in Africa Podcast, China Global South Project), America in Africa: Talking about Democracy and Policy with the US Ambassador to Mali (Michael Shurkin)

July 30, 2024

News & Analysis
Top Picks
A Globally Intergrated Islamic State, by Aaron Y. Zelin (War on the Rocks)

The Forgotten War in Congo: To Stop the Growing Crisis in the Country’s East, the West Must Pressure Rwanda, by Jason K. Stearns (Foreign Affairs)

Continent At-Large
US Backs Early Extension of Trade Pact With Africa, Envoy Says, by Ntando Thukwana (Bloomberg)

Revising the African Growth and Opportunity Act: Perspectives from Africa, by Aude Darnal, Cham Etienne Bama, Lethabo Sithole, Teniola Tayo, Natika Kantaria (Stimson Center)

AGOA Reauthorization Offers an Opportunity for Expanded Commitments to Development, Labor, and Climate in Sub-Saharan Africa, by Ryan Mulholland, Doug Molof, Leo Banks (Center for American Progress)

Spotlight on Trade Act Renewal at the 2024 AGOA Forum in DC (allAfrica)

U.S.-Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum: Challenges and Future Pathways, by Kester Kenn Klomegah (Modern Diplomacy)

Statement from President Joe Biden on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in Washington, DC (The White House)

Remarks by APNSA Jake Sullivan at the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum (The White House)

Remarks by Ambassador Katherine Tai at the 2024 AGOA Private Sector Forum (Office of the U.S. Trade Representative)

Digital Press Briefing on Outcomes of the AGOA Forum 2024 (U.S. Department of State)

AGOA Reauthorization 2025: Policies to Promote Fair Trade and Sustainable Economic Development (International Labour Organization)

The Biden Administration Has Changed How the US Engages with Developing Countries, by Joseph Lemoine (Atlantic Council)

US High Rejections of African Student Visas “Steadily Rising”, by Martin K.N Siele (Semafor)

America Can’t Be First If We Keep Putting Africa Last, by Rosa Whitaker (International Business Times)

Why the United States Needs a Robust Strategy for Space Cooperation with Africa, by Temidayo Oniosun (Atlantic Council)

Imposing Sanctions on ISIS Affiliates in Africa (U.S. Department of State)

Treasury Targets ISIS Facilitation Network in Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa (U.S. Department of the Treasury)

As Russia Builds Influence in Africa, its Church Takes a Role, by Andrew Hoyle (United States Institute of Peace)

China Making Inroads In Africa: A Huge Challenge For American Hegemony, by Naseeb Ullah Achakzai (Eurasia Review)

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: A Review of U.S.-Europe Cooperation on China (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

U.S. Will Work With African Nations to Protect Interests, Encourage Cooperation, by Jim Garamone (U.S. Department of State)

Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit July 29-31 (U.S. Department of State)

Central Africa/Sudans
Bringing More Attention to Sudan’s Crisis, by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations)

The United States Invites the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to Ceasefire Talks Co-hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland (U.S. Department of State)

Sudan Paramilitary Leader Plans to Attend Cease-Fire Talks in Switzerland Hosted by US, Saudi Arabia (Associated Press)

Sudan Army Weighs Swiss Talks with RSF, Awaits U.S. Envoy (Sudan Tribune)

US Says Billionaire Gertler’s Royalties Must Go to Congo for Sanctions Deal, by Peter Martin & Michael J. Kavanagh (Bloomberg)

US Issues Sanctions on Rebel Group Alliance Over Conflict in DRC, by Daphne Psaledakis (Reuters)

Imposing Sanctions on Coalition of Armed Groups in the DRC (U.S. Department of State)

How the NBA Got Into Business with an African Dictator, by Mark Fiinaru-Wada (ESPN)

East Africa/Horn
Graphite from East Africa Could Help the US Build Green Tech, but the Region Faces Instability, by Cullen S. Hendrix (Peterson Institute for International Economics)

U.S. Has Never Apologized to Somali Drone Strike Victims — Even When It Admitted to Killing Civilians, by Nick Turse (The Intercept)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Kenyan President William Ruto (U.S. Department of State)

North Africa
The United States Must Reassess Its Military Aid to Tunisia to Support Democracy, by Stephen Stamas (The International Affairs Review)

AFRICOM Commander Concludes Second Trip to Algeria (AFRICOM)

President Biden Announces Presidential Delegation to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to Attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani (The White House)

Southern Africa
South African Envoy Sees Positive Signs in Key US Trade Talks, by Prinesha Naidoo & Janice Kew (Bloomberg)

SA Trade Delegation Gets Support from Biden Administration, Congress for AGOA Renewal, by Nick Wilson (News24)

AGOA Still in the Balance for South Africa, and Pressure Must Be Sustained on the US, by Anthony Carroll (Daily Maverick)

Tau Concludes United States Visit (South African Government News Agency)

South Africa Seeks ‘Reset’ with US at AGOA Forum, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

GNU Gives SA a Honeymoon Period for Keeping Its AGOA Status, Say Analysts, by Peter Fabricius (Daily Maverick)

US, Tanzania Begin Talks on Dealing with Mozambique Threat, by James Anyanzwa (The East African)

ExxonMobil Steps Up Pace of Rovuma LNG Project (Africa Intelligence)

U.S. Special Operations Forces Africa Conduct Joint Exchange with Botswana Partners (U.S. Army)

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Verma’s Meeting with Mauritian Foreign Minister Gobin (U.S. Department of State)

West Africa
The Fall of the Sahel: A Generational Foreign Policy Failure, by Ned Rauch-Mannino (RealClear World)

This African Country Kicked Out the U.S. Military. Did the Pentagon Lie About It?, by Nick Turse (The Intercept)

US Says Its Troops Will Complete Niger Withdrawal in Early August (France24)

Why Ex‑Goldman Sachs Executive Kwaku Berko Was Extradited to US, by Kent Mensah (The Africa Report)

Recent Events
African Growth and Opportunity Act: Private Sector Forum, July 24, 8:45am EDT (United States Institute of Peace)

Challenges and Opportunities in the DRC: A Conversation with President Félix Tshisekedi, July 24, 10:00am EDT (Brookings Institution)

AGOA Civil Society and Organized Labor Forum, July 24, 2:00pm EDT (Wilson Center)

South Africa’s New Government of National Unity: Optics for Global Relations, July 29, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capitol Campus)

Check out US House Foreign Affairs Chair Details AFRICOM, Aid Legislation Initiatives (Africa 54, Voice of America), Aftermath of South Africa’s 2024 Elections (Foreign Policy Research Institute) & Partnerships for Peace: The Global Fragility Act (Into Africa, Center for Strategic & International Studies)

July 23, 2024

Upcoming Events
African Growth and Opportunity Act: Private Sector Forum, July 24, 8:45am EDT (United States Institute of Peace)

Challenges and Opportunities in the DRC: A Conversation with President Félix Tshisekedi, July 24, 10:00am EDT (Brookings Institution)

AGOA Civil Society and Organized Labor Forum, July 24, 2:00pm EDT (Wilson Center)

South Africa’s New Government of National Unity: Optics for Global Relations, July 29, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capitol Campus)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
America’s Dilemma in Kenya: Washington Erred in Embracing Ruto—but Now Must Double Down on Helping Him Succeed, by Michelle Gavin (Foreign Affairs)

Continent At-Large
America’s Africa Dilemma, by Ebenezer Obadare (The National Interest)

The New Progressive Imperialism in Africa, by Eric Bordenkircher (Providence Magazine)

US Aid Agency Doubles Down on Democracy Promotion, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Biden’s Resignation, Harris’ Chance: Implications for Africa., by Bob Wekesa & Asad el Malik (Africa Centre for the Study of the United States)

Africans Yearn for a US Champion in Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Washington to Host African Trade Ministers for AGOA in July, by Luke Anami (The East African)

Talks of Bipartisan US Retreat from African Trade Allies Concerning: US Democratic Leader Sounds Alarm, by Lizeka Tandwa (TimesLive)

Concern over US Bill on Trade, by Gibson Nyikadzino (The Herald Zimbabwe)

The Wagner Group Lives on in Africa, by Marcel Plichta, Christopher Faulkner, Raphael Parens (Lawfare)

US Battles Russia, China for Influence in Africa After Pull-Out from Niger, by Peter Apps (The Arab Weekly)

Symposium Focuses on Practical Solutions for Climate Security Challenges (AFRICOM)

Elon Musk’s Starlink Struggles with Regulations in Africa, by Sultan Quadri (Semafor)

Why Africa Could Provide the Next Semiconductor Ecosystem for the Chip Business, by Nii Simmonds & Ayodele Okeowo (World Economic Forum)

Protecting LGBTQI+ Rights Is Good Foreign Policy, by Jessica Stern & Suzanne B. Goldberg (Foreign Policy)

U.S. Bishops Urge Catholics to Stand by Church in Africa, by Ngala Killian Chimtom (Crux)

US Student Visa: 80% of Top 15 Countries with Increased Refusal Rates from Africa, by Sheriff Bojang Jnr (The Africa Report)

Under Secretary Bass’ Travel to Chad and Tanzania (U.S. Department of State)

Central Africa/Sudans
U.S. Works to Revamp Peace Process for War-Torn Sudan, by Robbie Gramer (Foreign Policy)

As Famine Spreads Across Sudan, Protecting Civilians Must be a Priority, by Ilhan Dahir (United States Institute of Peace)

The United States Announces Nearly $203 Million in Humanitarian Assistance for the People of Sudan (U.S. Agency of International Development)

White House Welcomes 15-Day DR Congo Humanitarian Truce Extension (Reuters)

Humanitarian Truce Extension in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (U.S. Department of State)

U.S. Pledged 50k Mpox Vaccines to the DRC. Three Months Later, They Haven’t Arrived., by Sophie Gardner (Politico)

DRC: Five Questions on the Dedollarisation of the Economy, by Maher Hajbi (The Africa Report)

Cameroon: Deported Asylum Seekers Return to US After ‘Abuse’ in Both Countries, by Sheriff Bojang Jnr (The Africa Report)

Deported Cameroonian Asylum Seekers Returned to US (Human Rights Watch)

East Africa/Horn
The Red Sea Crisis Goes Beyond the Houthis: To Avoid a Spiral of Violence, America Must Help Stabilize the Greater Horn of Africa, by Johnnie Carson, Alex Rondos, Susan Stigant, Michael Woldemariam (Foreign Affairs)

US Sees ‘Incremental Progress’ in Ethiopia’s Reconciliation Efforts, by Nike Ching (Voice of America)

Why Is Kenya’s Ruto Accusing the Ford Foundation of Stoking Protests?, by Urooba Jamal (Al Jazeera)

United States to Provide Helicopters and Armored Vehicles to Kenya, by Patrick Kenyette (Military Africa)

Statement by the U.S. Embassy to Kenya (U.S. Embassy in Kenya)

North Africa
US, Libyan Military Officials Discuss More Cooperation in Fighting Terrorism, by Abdulkader Assad (The Libya Observer)

NATO and North Africa, a Relationship with Blurred Boundaries, by Farid Bahri (The Africa Report)

Southern Africa
South Africa Presses to Maintain Preferred Trade Status with US, by Zaheer Cassim (Voice of America)

South Africa Plans US Mission to Lobby Against Review of Ties, by S’thembile Cele (Bloomberg)

Remarks at the Southern African Securities Regulators Regional Training Conference, by Mark T. Uyeda (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission)

Fintechs Fly Planes of Cash Into Zimbabwe to Meet Demand for Dollars, by Loni Prinsloo, Antony Sguazzin, Ray Ndlovu, Godfrey Marawanyika (Bloomberg)

West Africa
Can Democracy Win Over West Africa’s Military Juntas?, by Komlan Avoulete (International Policy Digest)

Will Turkey’s Inroads in Sahel Spark Cooperation with US in Africa?, by Ezgi Akin (Al-Monitor)

US Advisory Council Ends Nigeria Visit, Signs Student Exchange Deal, by Timothy Obiezu (Voice of America)

US Announces Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Diaspora-Led Sectors, by Ngozi Ekugo (Nairametrics)

A View of America’s Troubled Democracy from Nigeria, by Chinedu George Nnawetanma (The Hill)

US Treasury Sanctions Sierra Leone Man for Allegedly Smuggling Migrants into the United States (Associated Press)

Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Senegalese President Faye (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
Launch of Afrobarometer Flagship Report on Democratic Trends in Africa, July 17, 6:00am EDT (Afrobarometer)

Sudan at a Crossroads: Addressing the Largest Internal Displacement Crisis in the World, July 18, 10:00am EDT (Wilson Center)

Launch of USAID’s Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Policy, July 18, 1:00pm EDT (Wilson Center)

Check out What Americans Should Know About Africa (Michael Shurkin), China-Africa Relations as Seen From the United States (The China in Africa Podcast, China Global South Project), Exploring the US-Africa Policy: Unanswered Questions and China’s Growing Influence (China Global South Project), Susan Stigant on Sudan’s Civil War and Deepening Humanitarian Crisis (On Peace, United States Institute of Peace), Biden or Trump Win Won’t Change U.S.-Africa Business Relations (Arise News), Biden’s Walkout To Impact US-Africa Ties? African Leaders Brace For Trump? (Firstpost)

July 16, 2024

Upcoming Events
Launch of Afrobarometer Flagship Report on Democratic Trends in Africa, July 17, 6:00am EDT (Afrobarometer)

Sudan at a Crossroads: Addressing the Largest Internal Displacement Crisis in the World, July 18, 10:00am EDT (Wilson Center)

Launch of USAID’s Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Policy, July 18, 1:00pm EDT (Wilson Center)

South Africa’s New Government of National Unity: Optics for Global Relations, July 29, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capitol Campus)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
In Africa, the Need to Engage With Democracies and Coup Regimes, by Joseph Sany (United States Institute of Peace)

Continent At-Large
Does Africa Need to Be More Than an Afterthought?, by the Editorial Board (The Washington Post)

In Africa, NATO Is the Past, by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Who’s Who on US President Biden’s Africa Team, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Integrating Artisanal Mining into the Formal Economy Would Benefit African Miners and Economies Alike, by Sarah Way (Atlantic Council)

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio Wants to Use Massive Tariffs to Unseat China’s Dominance in Critical Resources, by Eric Olander (China Global South Project)

Dallas Is Quietly Becoming the U.S. Center for African Trade, by Jaynie Schultz & Ben Kazora (The Dallas Morning News)

Letter From DC: Is Africa Holding Itself Back?, by Cobus van Staden (China Global South Project)

Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Travel to Ghana, Gabon, Senegal, and the United Kingdom (U.S. Department of State)

Central Africa/Sudans
Washington Is Becoming Irrelevant in Sudan. A Sanctions Strategy Could Change That., by Cameron Hudson (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Averting Our Eyes in Sudan, by Mark Green (Wilson Center)

McCaul Supports Resolution Declaring Genocide in Sudan (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

US Raises Concerns Over Blood Minerals in DR Congo, by Patrick Ilunga (The East African)

Final Report of the UN Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (U.S. Department of State)

Statement of Concern Related to Certain Minerals Supply Chains from Rwanda and Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo Contributing to the Ongoing Conflict (U.S. Department of State)

U.S. Citizens in Congo Coup Attempt Tell Court They Were Forced to Join, by Ange Adihe Kasongo (Reuters)

As Relations with the Central African Republic Warm Up, Can the West Win Against Wagner? (The Africa Report)

Why US Is Concerned About South Sudan Political Record, by Fred Oluoch (The East African)

Combined American and Chadian Medical Exercise Concludes, by Edward McBride (DVIDS)

East Africa/Horn
US Fielding New Charges of Hypocrisy Over Kenya, by Taiwo Hassan (Responsible Statecraft)

China’s Losses in Kenya Are America’s Opportunities in Africa, by Gordon G. Chang (The Hill)

US Military Pledges Support in Al-Shabaab Crackdown (Garowe Online)

Al-Qaeda-Linked Militants in Somalia Execute Alleged Kenya and US Spies (Garowe Online)

Somalia Will Require Foreign Troops Past ATMIS Exit, Experts Say, by Julius Barigaba (Garowe Online)

Kenya Receives the First Batch of Military Helicopters Donated by the US (Agenzia Nova)

Kentucky Guard Attends Leader Engagement with Djibouti, by Michael Reinersman (DVIDS)

North Africa
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty (U.S. Department of State)

Southern Africa
Pork Group Hopes Congress Squeezes South Africa on Trade Barriers, by Noah Wicks (AgriPulse)

U.S. Army Reserve Deploys to Angola for Medical Readiness Exercise, by Billy Lacroix (U.S. Army Reserve)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Angolan President Lourenço (U.S. Department of State)

West Africa
African Juntas’ Defense Pact Makes Mockery of US Policy, by Dan M. Ford (Responsible Statecraft)

Geopolitical Shifts in US-Africa Relations: The Niger Coup and Ghana’s Emerging Role, by Richmond Acheampong (Modern Ghana)

Analysts Weigh in on US Advisory Council Visit to Nigeria, by Timothy Obiezu (Voice of America)

July 9, 2024

Upcoming Events
Launch of Afrobarometer Flagship Report on Democratic Trends in Africa, July 17, 6:00am EDT (Afrobarometer)

South Africa’s New Government of National Unity: Optics for Global Relations, July 29, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capitol Campus)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
The Right Way for America to Counter Russia in Africa: Help Democracies—and Let Moscow’s Appeal Fade in Autocracies, by Frederic Wehrey & Andrew S. Weiss (Foreign Affairs)

Continent At-Large
Biden Administration Plans Major Cuts to AIDS Relief Programs in Africa, by Carmen Paun (Politico)

What Does the West Invest in Africa?, by Eddy Micah, Cai Nebe, Isaac Kaledzi (DW)

‘Every Place I Go, It’s All About China’: Former US Diplomats Sound Alarm on Africa, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Combating Extremism In Africa: A Multidimensional Approach, by Simon Hutagalung (Eurasia Review)

Central Africa/Sudans
US Under Growing Pressure to Take Action Against UAE in Sudan, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Will Botched State Department Diplomacy Lead to a Third Congo War?, by Michael Rubin (The National Interest)

Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson Welcoming the Humanitarian Truce in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (The White House)

US Sought Congo Mines Deal for Swiss Trader Mercuria, by Harry Dempsey & Tom Wilson (Financial Times)

The United States Provides More Than $57 Million in Humanitarian Assistance for South Sudan (U.S. Agency for International Development)

“Stronger Together”: U.S. and Congolese Bands Unite for Joint Tour in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire (AFRICOM)

East Africa/Horn
Biden Warns Graft Hampering American Investments in Kenya, by Brian Ngugi (The Standard)

North Africa
Chinese Firms Eye Morocco as Way to Cash in on US Electric Vehicle Subsidies, by Sam Metz (Associated Press)

Morocco Offers US Chance to Catch Up with China in Green Energy Space, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Morocco, US Aim to Revamp Trade Pact at Washington Meeting, by Mahamadou Simpara (Morocco World News)

Southern Africa
What’s Next for South Africa’s Foreign Policy, by John Matisonn (Responsible Statecraft)

New South African Government Likely to Continue Anti-Israel, Anti-U.S. Policies, by David May & Toby Dershowitz (Foundation for the Defense of Democracies)

South Africa and the United States of America to Deepen Bilateral Ties (The Presidency, Republic of South Africa)

Readout of President Joe Biden’s Call with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa (The White House)

Biden Congratulates Ramaphosa on Re-Election and Forming the GNU, by Peter Fabricius (Daily Maverick)

Biden, Facing Tempest At Home, Devotes Time To S.Africa Leader (Agence France Presse)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with South African Foreign Minister Lamola (U.S. Department of State)

West Africa
US Says Troops Are Leaving Niger Bases This Weekend and in August After Coup, by Lolita C. Baldor (Associated Press)

US to Complete Withdrawal from Niger Base Sunday (Voice of America)

Joint Statement from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger (AFRICOM)

The US Is No Saviour of the Sahel, by Kim Heller (The African)

National Elections in Mauritania (U.S. Department of State)

US Backs Elite Drugs Squad in Lagos (Africa Intelligence)

Recent Events
South Africa’s Foreign Policy Future Under the GNU, July 4, 4:00am EDT (Institute for Security Studies)

July 2, 2024

Upcoming Events
South Africa’s Foreign Policy Future Under the GNU, July 4, 4:00am EDT (Institute for Security Studies)

Launch of Afrobarometer Flagship Report on Democratic Trends in Africa, July 17, 6:00am EDT (Afrobarometer)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Africa Needs More American Involvement—Not Less, by Judd Devermont (Foreign Affairs)

Continent At-Large
The Illogic of Doubling Down on a Failed Approach: Security Assistance and Terrorism in Africa, by Dennis Jett (Modern War Institute)

U.S. Military Courts New Partners in Africa After Major Setbacks, by Robbie Gramer (Foreign Policy)

Expanding Extremist Groups in Africa Fuel Worries That They Could Attack the US or Western Allies, by Lolita C. Baldor (Associated Press)

African Leaders Focus on Enhancing Regional Security, by David Vergun (U.S. Defense of Defense)

Ex‑Congressman’s Firm Lobbies for African Governments in Exile, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

US-China Rivalry in Asia and Africa: Lessons from the Cold War, by Gregg Brazinsky (United States Institute of Peace)

From Greenfield Projects to Green Supply Chains: Critical Minerals in Africa as an Investment Challenge, by Aubrey Hruby (Atlantic Council)

America’s International Public Health Plan Is Too Focused on American s, by Jess Craig (Vox)

How Texan Bull Semen Is Transforming African Agriculture, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Central Africa/Sudans
John James, Colin Allred Introduce Resolution Recognizing Genocide in Sudan (Office of Representative John James)

Chad: Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno in Moscow’s Sights, by Mathieu Olivier (The Africa Report)

East Africa/Horn
Washington Fails to ‘Read the Room’ in Kenya, by Robbie Gramer (Foreign Policy)

Kenya’s Crisis Shows the Urgency of African Poverty, Corruption, Debt, by Johnnie Carson (United States Institute of Peace)

Billionaire Ex-EBay CEO Meg Whitman Is Behind Biden’s Kenya Bet, by Neil Munshi & David Herbling

Amnesty International USA Reaction to the Biden Administration’s Response to Protests in Kenya (Amnesty International)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Kenyan President William Ruto (U.S. Department of State)

Risch, McCaul Issue Statement on Lack of Security Forces in Kenya as Security Forces Arrive in Haiti (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

Microsoft AI Deal With UAE’s G42 at Risk Over National Security Fears, by Mark Bergen, Mackenzie Hawkins, Dina Bass, Ben Bartenstein (Bloomberg)

Can Somalia Avoid an Afghanistan-Like Fate? A US General Weighs In (Garowe Online)

North Africa
Countering Chinese and Russian Influence in North Africa, by Joey Hood, Anna Borshchevskaya, Ben Fishman, Grant Rumley (The Washington Institute for Near East Policy)

Southern Africa
US House of Representatives Legislates for a Review of America-South Africa Relations, by Peter Fabricius (Daily Maverick)

Democratic Congresswoman Blasts Republican Colleague John James for Treating SA as a ‘Colony’, by Peter Fabricius (Daily Maverick)

American Pork Exports Deserve Full Access in South Africa, by Randy Feenstra & Greg Murphy (AgriPulse)

U.S.-Africa Trade Desk Secures $56 Million South African Table Grape Deal, Benefiting US Consumers and Boosting US-Africa Trade (Prosper Africa)

US Denies Zimbabwe’s Claims It Is Militarizing Zambia, by Columbus Mavhunga (Voice of America)

West Africa
With Niger Exit, US Intelligence Dims on Growing West Africa Insurgencies, by Phil Stewart (Reuters)

Africa’s Sahel Is ‘Less Safe’ After Troop Withdrawal: AFRICOM Commander, by Agnes Helou (Breaking Defense)

US Partners with Togo to Reinforce Country’s Resilience, Natural Disaster Response, by Christopher Gardner (U.S. Army)

Recent Events
2024 Carnegie Africa Forum, June 27, 9:30am EDT (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

War in Sudan: Ethnic Cleansing and Crimes Against Humanity in West Darfur, June 27 1:00pm EDT (Atlantic Council)

Reconsidering the Response to Coups in West Africa, June 28, 6:00am EDT (Institute for Security Studies)

Check out Localising U.S-Africa Trade: Resurgence Conference Durban (CNBC Africa) & The United States Losing Influence In Africa To China And Russia (The Fox News Rundown, Fox News)

June 25, 2024

Upcoming Events
2024 Carnegie Africa Forum, June 27, 9:30am EDT (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

War in Sudan: Ethnic Cleansing and Crimes Against Humanity in West Darfur, June 27 1:00pm EDT (Atlantic Council)

Reconsidering the Response to Coups in West Africa, June 28, 6:00am EDT (Institute for Security Studies)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Time to Terminate US Counter-Terrorism Programs in Africa, by Gordon Adams (Responsible Statecraft)

Continent At-Large
Major American Military Conference Comes to Botswana as Russia and US Tussle Over Africa, by Lenin Ndebele (News24)

Africa Defense Chiefs to Gather in Botswana for US Military Conference, by Mqondisi Dube (Voice of America)

AFRICOM Hosting Chiefs of Defense Conference as US Forced from Niger, Chad, by Agnes Helou (Breaking Defense)

US Struggles with Shaky Relations and Troop Cuts in African Nations as Military Leaders Meet, by Lolita C. Baldor (Associated Press)

US Military Looks for West Africa ‘Plan B’ After Niger Ousting, by Phil Stewart (Reuters)

Top US General Says Islamic Jihadist Terrorism in Africa Has Soared Tenfold Over 26 Years, by Paul Tilsley (Fox News)

Countering Radicalization and Violent Extremism through Policing in Africa, by Meressa Kahsu Dessu (Wilson Center)

Terrorism and Cyber Fraud Targeted as FBI Chief Lands in Africa (Africa Confidential)

Year After Failed Mutiny, Russia Tightens Grip on Wagner Units in Africa, by Elian Peltier (The New York Times)

The New Cold War: What Africa’s Political Shifts Mean for US Influence, by Bianca Bridger (Atlas News)

South Africa, Ethiopia Under Fire as US Launches Annual AGOA Review, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Four Key Moments: Hearing on the Future of Trade with Sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti, and Other Nations (House Ways and Means Committee)

Trump’s Second Term: A Boon for China’s Dominance in Africa?, by Ismail D. Osman (Modern Diplomacy)

Central Africa/Sudans
Why Is the White House Silent on Sudan? 150,000 People Dead, Famine Looms but Biden’s Spokesman Can’t Cope with Questions and the President Hasn’t Issued a Statement in a Year, by Rob Crilly (Daily Mail)

Why Washington Is Offering Dan Gertler a $300 Million Deal, by Margaux Guillot (The Africa Report)

The U.S. Government Announces Grant to Promote Investment Opportunities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Minerals Sector (U.S. Agency for International Development)

East Africa/Horn
Islamic State in Somalia Poses Growing Threat, US Officials Say, by Carla Babb, Harun Maruf, Jeff Seldin (Voice of America)

New U.S. Ambassador Arrives in Somalia Amidst Rising Al-Shabaab Threat (Garowe Online)

Memorandum on the Designation of Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally (The White House)

Kenya to Host Second US-African Nuclear Summit, by John Mutua (The East African)

Obama’s Half-Sister Teargassed Live on Air While Protesting in Kenya, by Larry Madowo & Stephanie Busari (CNN)

From Nobel Peace Prize to Civil War: How Ethiopia’s Leader Beguiled the World, by Tom Gardner (The Guardian)

North Africa
Has the West Learned to Work with Tunisia?, by Sabina Henneberg (The National Interest)

Southern Africa
What South Africa’s New Unity Gov’t Means for US Relations, by Dan M. Ford (Responsible Statecraft)

McCaul, Meeks, James, Jacobs Bipartisan Statement Congratulating the South African People on Successful Elections (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

Ignored by the US, Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa Flirts with Putin, by Farai Shawn Matiashe (The Africa Report)

Digital Press Briefing: U.S.-Angola Energy Security Dialogue and U.S.-Africa Energy Partnerships (U.S. Department of State)

West Africa
US Has Withdrawn About 30% of Troops from Niger Ahead of Full Departure, Pentagon Says, by John Vandiver (Stars and Stripes)

Western Multinationals Fleeing Nigeria Are Being Replaced by Asian and Turkish Firms, by Emele Onu, Anthony Osae-Brown, Antony Sguazzin (Bloomberg)

Sierra Leone to Double Energy Capacity with US‑Financed Gas‑to‑Power Plant, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Recent Events
Upcoming Digital Press Briefing: U.S.-Angola Energy Security Dialogue and U.S.-Africa Energy Partnerships, June 18, 9:00am EDT (U.S. Department of State)

Road to AGOA Reauthorization: The Future of US-Africa Trade and Investment, June 18, 12:10pm EDT (Wilson Center)

Exploring Ethiopia’s Tumultuous Transformation: A Discussion with Tom Gardner, June 20, 12:00pm EDT (Hudson Institute)

Africa – U.S. Forum: Perspectives from Africa on the Future of International Population and Development Policy, June 24, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capitol Campus)

Check out What Can Be Done About Sudan’s Deepening Humanitarian Catastrophe? (The Current, Brookings Institution), What Is Africa’s Lobito Corridor? (United States Institute of Peace), Ambassador Tibor Nagy: 2024 U.S. Elections & Africa (Beyond Africa Podcast), Out of South Africa (Foreign Podicy, Foundation for the Defense of Democracies) & Africa and the Economic Struggle of Great Power Politics (Arsenal of Democracy, Hudson Institute)

June 18, 2024

Upcoming Events
Upcoming Digital Press Briefing: U.S.-Angola Energy Security Dialogue and U.S.-Africa Energy Partnerships, June 18, 9:00am EDT (U.S. Department of State)

Road to AGOA Reauthorization: The Future of US-Africa Trade and Investment, June 18, 12:10pm EDT (Wilson Center)

Africa – U.S. Forum: Perspectives from Africa on the Future of International Population and Development Policy, June 24, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capitol Campus)

2024 Carnegie Africa Forum, June 27, 9:30am EDT (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

War in Sudan: Ethnic Cleansing and Crimes Against Humanity in West Darfur, June 27 1:00pm EDT (Atlantic Council)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Sudan’s Manmade Famine: How the United States and Its Gulf Partners Are Enabling Mass Starvation, by Alex de Waal (Foreign Affairs)

Continent At-Large
China and Russia Are Beating the US in Africa, by James Stavridis (Bloomberg)

Republicans May Force Africa to Choose Between US and China, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Countering Russia’s African Strategy, by John P. Connor (The National Interest)

The Missing Piece: Political Parties Are Critical to Democracy in Africa, by Santiago Stocker, Patrick Quirk, Dan Scaduto (Atlantic Council)

The G7 Cannot Afford to Ignore Africa, by Hakainde Hichilema (Project Syndicate)

The G-7 Summit and Africa’s Infrastructure Gap, by J. Peter Pham (The National Interest)

The Right Future for the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, by Ned Rauch-Mannino (The Heritage Foundation)

U.S. Chamber Testimony on Trade with Africa, Haiti & Others, by John Murphy (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Beyond 2025: A Renewed Relationship with sub-Saharan Africa, by Daniel F. Runde (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Trade Subcommittee Chairman Smith Opening Statement – Hearing on Looking Beyond 2025 for Trade with Sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti, and Others (House Ways and Means Committee)

AGOA: 25 Years of US-Africa Mutual Benefit, by Carlee Unger (Borgen Magazine)

F.B.I. Director Makes Rare Visit to Africa as Terrorism Threat Grows, by Eric Schmitt (The New York Times)

FBI Director Travels to Africa to Meet with Vital Law Enforcement and Intelligence Partners (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

Can Africa’s Diaspora Alter the Continent’s Future Stability Landscape?, by Komlan Avoulete (Centre for African Conflict and Development)

Africa Policy in Trump’s Second Term, by Daniel Volman (Foreign Policy in Focus)

Digital Press Briefing with the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya (U.S. Department of State)

Where the N.B.A. Sees Its Future, by Tania Ganguli (The New York Times)

Central Africa/Sudans
Parts of Sudan Are in Famine, Extent Unclear, Top US Diplomat Says, by Giulia Paravicini (Reuters)

‘We Need the World to Wake Up’: Sudan Facing World’s Deadliest Famine in 40 Years, by Julian Borger (The Guardian)

UN Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield Criticizes Sudan War Media Coverage, by Ben Smith & Nayeema Raza (Semafor)

Billionaire Under Sanctions Could Get $300mn in Controversial US-Congo Deal, by Harry Dempsey & Tom Wilson (Financial Times)

No Evidence for Donald Trump’s Claim That Congo Is Releasing People from Jail into the U.S., by Maria Ramirez Uribe & Amy Sherman (PolitiFact)

East Africa/Horn
US May Have Killed ISIS’ Global Leader Abdulqadir Mumin in Somalia Airstrike in May, Report Says, by Matthew Sedacca (New York Post)

US Intelligence Assesses Houthis in Yemen in Talks to Provide Weapons to al-Shabaab in Somalia, Officials Say, by Katie Bo Lillis, Kylie Atwood, Natasha Bertrand (CNN)

Al-Shabaab Publicly Executes Supposed US Spies in Somalia (Garowe Online)

AFRICOM Denies US Airstrike Killed Cuban Doctors, by Harun Maruf (Voice of America)

Cuba Seeks More Info From US On Doctors Abducted In Kenya (Agence France Presse)

A New Chapter in U.S.-Kenya Relations Links Silicon Valley and Silicon Savannah, by Jane Munga (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

FBI Chief Visits Kenya to Bolster Security Collaboration, by Mohammed Yusuf (Voice of America)

Newest Major Non-NATO Ally Kenya, US Begin Planning Justified Accord 2025, by Joe Legros (U.S. Army)

Former U.S. President Obama to Visit Kenya Next Year, by Sharon Resian (Capital FM)

North Africa
Climate Challenges & Opportunities in Morocco and Beyond, by Mark Nevitt (Just Security)

The Peace Corps Should Return to Tunisia, by Brendan Fusco (Inkstick)

The United States Invests $130 Million for Egypt’s Development (U.S. Embassy in Egypt)

Southern Africa
Statement from President Joe Biden on South Africa Elections (The White House)

Students on the Frontline: South Africa and the US Share a History of Protest Against White Supremacy, by Rico Devara Chapman (The Conversation)

Zimbabwe Escalates Diplomatic Tensions with Zambia (The Zimbabwe Mail)

Mr. Mnangagwa, Just Because the West Criticizes You Doesn’t Make You Anti-West!, by Tendai Ruben Mbofana (The Zimbabwean)

U.S. and Botswana to Co-Host African Chiefs of Defense Conference (AFRICOM)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Malawi President Chakwera (U.S. Department of State)

West Africa
How the US Is Lobbying for New Military Bases in Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

U.S. Must Adapt, Not Abandon the Sahel, by Hafed Al Ghwell (Geopolitical Monitor)

The Sahel’s New Geopolitics, by Andrew Lebovich (Clingendael)

FBI Director Wray Travels to Nigeria, Meets with President Tinubu and Senior Officials (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

First C-17 Withdrawal Flight Departs from Niger (AFRICOM)

600 US Troops Remain in Niger as Withdrawal Continues, by Carla Babb (Voice of America)

U.S. Embassy Employee Charged with Sexually Abusing Girls in Burkina Faso Home, by Katie Mettler (The Washington Post)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Republic of The Gambia President Barrow (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
The Sahel Security Conundrum: Towards a New Equilibrium?, June 11, 10:00am EDT (Program on Extremism, George Washington University)

Trade Subcommittee Hearing on Looking Beyond 2025 for Trade with Sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti, and Others, June 12, 1:15pm EDT (House Ways and Means Committee)

Made in Ethiopia, June 16, 1:45pm EDT (DC/DOX Film Festival)

Check out Nigeria Looks to Expand AGOA Duty-Free Market Access (Africa 54, Voice of America)

June 11, 2024

Upcoming Events
The Sahel Security Conundrum: Towards a New Equilibrium?, June 11, 10:00am EDT (Program on Extremism, George Washington University)

Mozambique at a Crossroads: The Global Fragility Act in an Election Year, June 13, 9:00am EDT (International Republican Institute)
*Please let me know if you would like to attend this in-person only event and I will send you a sign-up form.

Made in Ethiopia, June 16, 1:45pm EDT (DC/DOX Film Festival)

Road to AGOA Reauthorization: The Future of US-Africa Trade and Investment, June 18, 12:00pm EDT (Wilson Center)

2024 Carnegie Africa Forum, June 27, 9:30am EDT (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
U.S. Confronts Failures as Terrorism Spreads in West Africa, by Eric Schmitt & Ruth Maclean (The New York Times)

Continent At-Large
Nine Ideas to Improve AGOA, by Justin Sandofeur (Center for Global Development)

US Labour Issues Cloud Future of AGOA Duty Free Scheme with Africa, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Senators Rally Support for Africa Trade Deal Amid Competition with China, by Tobias Burns (The Hill)

US Loses Ground in Africa to China on 2025 AGOA Renewal Uncertainty, by Laura Husband (Just Style)

China Claps Back at Biden BRI Diss, Says U.S. Should “Do Something Real” for Africa, by Eric Olander (China Global South Project)

Increasing Investment in African Mining Should Be a Higher Priority for the United States, by Aubrey Hruby (Atlantic Council)

Africa Is at a Crossroads – the U.S. Must Prioritize the Continent, by Hannah Johnson & Albert Torres (George W. Bush Presidential Center)

US National Security Adviser Details White House’s Development Goals, by Elissa Miolene (Devex)

Russia’s Mercenary-Industrial Complex in Africa, by Christopher Faulkner & Raphael Parens (War on the Rocks)

What to Know About Russia’s Growing Footprint in Africa, by Mark Banchereau & Jessica Donati (Associated Press)

US Flies B-52 to Cap Off Its Largest Exercise in Africa, by Unshin Lee Harpley (Air & Space Forces Magazine)

After Training African Coup Leaders, Pentagon Blames Russia for African Coups, by Nick Turse (The Intercept)

African Lion 24 Concludes with Strategic Success Across Four Nations, by Billy Lacroix (DVIDS)

A Home in Ohio for African Immigrants with Nowhere to Go, by Tim Craig (The Washington Post)

Central Africa/Sudans
‘Somalia on Steroids’: Sudan Conflict Escalates, by Robbie Gramer (Foreign Policy)

Sudanese Militias Are Committing Genocide in Darfur—Again, by Mutasim Ali & Yonah Diamond (Foreign Policy)

Why No One Will Save Sudan, by Cameron Hudson (Persuasion)

World Leaders Neglected This Crisis. Now Genocide Looms., by Jess Craig (Vox)

World Forgets ‘Catastrophic’ War in Sudan as Russia, Iran, Others Reportedly Feed Fighting with Arms, by Paul Tilsley (Fox News)

U.S. Treasury Blocks UAE Companies Pending Investigation for Potential Sudan Sanctions Violations (Sudan Tribune)

Sudanese Delegation Visits Russia as Red Sea Base Moves Forward, by Oscar Rickett (Middle East Eye)

President Biden: Act on El Fasher Now (Humanity United)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is in Crisis. Will the U.S. Government Protect Congolese Immigrants in the United States?, by Daniel Levine-Spound (Just Security)

Chad, US Will Continue Discussions on Their Presence: “Russian Forces Deteriorate Security” (Agenzia Nova)

East Africa/Horn
EAC Hopes Revised AGOA Deal Will Include Services and Relax Visa Requirements, by Herald Aloo (The Africa Report)

Global, Continental and Regional Ramifications of Ruto’s US Visit, by Kariūki wa Gīthuku & Felix Kumah-Abiwu (The Elephant)

Somaliland’s ‘Ambassador’ Seeks to Resolve a Horn of Africa Dilemma, by Karin Zeitvogel (The Washington Diplomat)

North Africa
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Egyptian President El-Sisi (U.S. Department of State)

Southern Africa
Zimbabwe: America’s First Ambassador in Three Years Eyes Economic Engagement, by Farai Shawn Matiashe & Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Mnangagwa Says USA Funding Security Sector in Zambia to Spite Zimbabwe (Voice of America)

Mnangagwa Reveals Uneasiness over American Presence in Zambia During Meeting with Putin (Pindula News)

Recommendations for Building Zambia’s Copper Industry, by Gracelin Baskaran & Florence Yu (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Angolan Looking to Acquire Military Hardware from the United States, by Guy Martin (defenceWeb)

Assistant Secretary Geoffrey R. Pyatt’s Travel to Germany and Angola (U.S. Department of State)

West Africa
The End of America’s Pan-Sahel Vision, by Vivek Mishra & Samir Bhattacharya (Observer Research Foundation)

US Begins Pulling Military Equipment from Niger Ahead of Withdrawal Deadline, by AnneClaire Stapelton & Oren Liebermann (CNN)

US Military Begins Slow Transition Out of Niger Ahead of Troop Withdrawal, by Tara Suter (The Hill)

Joint Statement from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger (AFRICOM)

Senegal’s New President Is Anything but a Lackey for the West, by Alex Thurston (Responsible Statecraft)

US Under Secretary of State for Human Rights Uzra Zeya Slated to Visit Dakar (Africa Intelligence)

Recent Events
Money is Policy: Assessing Shortcomings in the State Department’s Foreign Assistance Grants Process, June 4, 10:00am EDT (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

The Forgotten War: Sudan in Crisis, June 5, 12:30pm EDT (Center for American Progress)

How Can a Common African Market Address SDGs, Intellectual Property Rights, Industrialization, and Geopolitical Tensions? A Working Group Series on Advancing Regional Economic Integration, June 6, 8:00am EDT (Center for Global Development)

Making Sense of the Complex Security Situation in the DRC and the Great Lakes, June 7, 8:00am EDT (South African Institute of International Affairs)

The Changing Nature of Security Threats in the Central Sahel Region: The Rise of Self-Defense Groups and Private Security Companies, June 10, 1:00pm EDT (Wilson Center)

Check out Connecting U.S. and African Diplomats (The Olive Branch, United States Institute of Peace), The United States Fears Unstable Coalition Rule in South Africa (BizNews), U.S. to Increase Funding to Equatorial Guinea (A54, Voice of America), & High Stakes in Africa (Flash Focus, The Vandenberg Coalition)

June 4, 2024

Upcoming Events
Money is Policy: Assessing Shortcomings in the State Department’s Foreign Assistance Grants Process, June 4, 10:00am EDT (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

The Forgotten War: Sudan in Crisis, June 5, 12:30pm EDT (Center for American Progress)

Making Sense of the Complex Security Situation in the DRC and the Great Lakes, June 7, 8:00am EDT (South African Institute of International Affairs)

Made in Ethiopia, June 16, 1:45pm EDT (DC/DOX Film Festival)

2024 Carnegie Africa Forum, June 27, 9:30am EDT (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Why Washington Failed in Niger, by Nathaniel Powell (War on the Rocks)

Continent At-Large
A New Dawn for US-African Cooperation?, by Vera Songwe (Project Syndicate)

Africa’s Natural Resources for Africans?, by Mark Green (Wilson Center)

Without Africa, Biden’s Energy Policies Are a Win for China, by J. Peter Pham (The National Interest)

How Is China’s Economic Transition Affecting Its Relations With Africa?, by Zainab Usman & Tang Xiaoyang (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Accommodating Africa’s Juntas Amplifies Insecurity, by Joseph Siegle & Jeffrey Smith (Africa Center for Strategic Studies)

Russia’s Position in Africa Isn’t as Strong as It Looks, by Duncan Money & Tycho Van Der Hoog (World Politics Review)

Not All About Goodies: US Flexes Soft Power as It Advances Rights Issues in Africa, by Macharia Gaitho (The East African)

AFRICOM Belongs in Africa, by Alexander Dragone (U.S. Naval Institute)

Inside a Huge U.S. Military Exercise in Africa to Counter Terrorism and Russia and China’s Growing Influence, by Debora Patta & Sarah Carter (CBS News)

US Military Completes Major Exercise in Africa and Works to Deepen Partnerships, by Sam Metz (Associated Press)

Africa Command to “Double Down” in Africa, by Daniel Volman (Foreign Policy in Focus)

US Military Defends Africa Strategy in Light of Coups and a Drift Toward Russia, by Sam Metz (Associated Press)

US Sanctions Two Central African Republic Companies Linked to Russian Wagner Group (Voice of America)

Imposing Sanctions on Entities Supporting Russia’s Malign Activities in Africa (U.S. Department of State)

What Kenya’s State Visit to the U.S. Reveals About Winning Over the Global South, by Lucas Engel (China Global South Project)

President Ruto’s State Visit: Biden Signals Commitment to Countering Malign Influence in Africa, by David Dapaah (Charged Affairs)

US Attempt to Re-Establish Strategic Influence in Africa Is to Intensify Competition, by Song Wei (Global Times – Chinese State Media)

Central Africa/Sudans
Sudan Is an Abject Disaster. Is Anyone Listening?, by Benjamin Mossberg (Atlantic Council)

The World’s Shameful Neglect of Sudan, by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations)

Washington Approach to Sudan Is Short on Results, by Nolan Stout (Courthouse News Service)

‘No Evidence’ Biden’s Sudan Policy Is Working, by Matt Berg & Eric Bazail-Emil (Politico)

Blinken and Top General Discuss Need to End Sudan War (Reuters)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Sudanese Armed Forces General Burhan (U.S. Department of State)

US Sanctions Uganda’s Parliament Speaker, Her Husband and Others Over Corruption and Rights Abuses, by Rodney Muhumuza (Associated Press)

Designation of Ugandan Public Officials (U.S. Department of State)

Discrimination in Public Health: How Funders Should Fight Laws Like Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, by Asia Russell & Maria E. Burnett (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

In a Congolese Mining case, Biden Can Secure a Win for US Sanctions Policy in Africa, by Benjamin Mossberg (Atlantic Council)

West Set on Banishing Moscow’s Forces from Bangui (Africa Confidential)

East Africa/Horn
America’s Vital 21st-Century ‘Partnership With Africa’ — and Kenya’s Key Role, by Johnnie Carson (United States Institute of Peace)

William Ruto Wins in Washington – But Does Kenya?, by Peter Fabricius (Institute for Security Studies)

Ring of Fire: Ruto-Biden Pact Puts Kenya as Washington’s Proxy, by Mutuma Mathiu (Nation Africa)

As Allies, Kenya & US Aim to Bolster Digital Security in Africa, by Robert Lemos (Dark Reading)

United States and Kenya Announce New Initiatives to Support Cultural Heritage and Tourism, Workforce Development, and the Creative Economy (U.S. Department of State)

America’s Doublespeak in East Africa, by Ian Katusiime (The Independent Uganda)

Rare Strike on ISIS’ Somali Offshoot Kills 3 Militants, AFRICOM Says, by John Vandiver (Stars and Stripes)

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS (AFRICOM)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Somali President Hassan Sheikh (U.S. Department of State)

Genocide in Tigray: Serious Breaches of International Law in the Tigray Conflict, Ethiopia, and Paths to Accountability (New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy)

North Africa
North Africa in an Era of Great Power Competition: Challenges and Opportunities for the United States, by Anna Borshchevskaya, Louis Dugit-Gros, Ben Fishman, Sabina Henneberg, Grant Rumley (The Washington Institute for Near East Policy)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (U.S. Department of State)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Moroccan Foreign Minister Bourita (U.S. Department of State)

Southern Africa
Angola: The Long Road Traveled and the Way Forward, by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

U.S., Angolan Defense Leaders Discuss Deepening Cooperation, by Jim Garamone (U.S. Department of Defense)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Angolan Minister of National Defense Joao Ernesto dos Santos to the Pentagon (U.S. Department of Defense)

America Is Next: South African Minister Says Countries Aiding Israel Liable for ICC Prosecution, by Sam Halpern (The Jerusalem Post)

South Africa’s ANC Lost Its Majority. Time for a Pivot to the Center., by the Editorial Board (The Washington Post)

South Africa’s National and Provincial Elections (U.S. Department of State)

South Africa’s Election Results Offer Opportunity To Strengthen Relations With U.S., Says CAP’s Patrick Gaspard (Center for American Progress)

MCC CEO Celebrates Partnership Milestones in Malawi and Zambia (Millennium Challenge Corporation)

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Verma’s Meeting with Seychellois Foreign Minister Sylvestre Radegonde (U.S. Department of State)

YALI RLC SA Launches Regional Innovation Challenge in Madagascar (U.S. Agency for International Development)

West Africa
US Stands to Benefit More than Nigeria from Open-Skies Agreement, by David Whitehouse & Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Airmen in Niger Resilient Amid Extended Deployments (U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa)

Recent Events
Africa’s Oil Economies Amidst the Energy Transition: Nigeria, May 28, 9:00am EDT (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Brown Capital Management Africa Forum Relaunch: Sovereign Wealth Funds and Infrastructure Development in Africa, May 28, 11:00am EDT (Wilson Center)

Facing the Future: A Discussion on Niger and West African Security Cooperation, May 28, 12:00pm (Hudson Institute)

Setting Priorities and Optimizing Resources in Africa: The New Public Health Order, May 28, 12:30pm EDT (Center for Global Development)

Africa’s Oil Economies Amidst the Energy Transition: Angola, May 30, 10:30am EDT (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Beyond the Savannah: Countering Violent Extremism in Coastal West Africa, May 31, 9:30am EDT (Conflict Research Network West Africa)

Check out Biden’s Africa Outreach (The Inside Story, Voice of America), Ruto in Washington: Kenya’s State Visit and the U.S.’s Africa Policy (Hold Your Fire!, International Crisis Group), Joseph Sany on the U.S. Withdrawal from Niger (On Peace, United States Institute of Peace), & Jane Perlez on the Global South’s Role in the U.S.-China Strategic Rivalry (The China-Global South Podcast, China Global South Project)

May 28, 2024

Upcoming Events
Africa’s Oil Economies Amidst the Energy Transition: Nigeria, May 28, 9:00am EDT (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Brown Capital Management Africa Forum Relaunch: Sovereign Wealth Funds and Infrastructure Development in Africa, May 28, 11:00am EDT (Wilson Center)

Setting Priorities and Optimizing Resources in Africa: The New Public Health Order, May 28, 12:30pm EDT (Center for Global Development)

Beyond the Savannah: Countering Violent Extremism in Coastal West Africa, May 31, 9:30am EDT (Conflict Research Network West Africa)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Africa’s International Relations Are Bigger than a U.S.-China Binary, by Chris O. Ogunmodede (Penkelemesi)

Continent At-Large
Rethinking U.S. Africa Policy Amid Changing Geopolitical Realities, by John J. Chin & Haleigh Bartos (Texas National Security Review)

U.S. Remains Committed to Partnering with Africa (Voice of America)

Kenya: Doubts on US Commitment to Africa Loom Over Ruto Visit, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Biden Welcomes Kenyan Leader After Failing to Visit Africa as Promised, by Toluse Olorunnipa (The Washington Post)

Ruto’s State Visit to the White House Is Overdue. So Is Biden’s Visit to Africa., by Sibi Nyaoga & Alexander Tripp (Atlantic Council)

Biden Plans to Visit Africa in February if He Is Re-Elected, by Nandita Bose (Reuters)

Biden, Kenya’s Ruto Pledge Protect Democracy in Africa and Beyond, by Andrea Shalal & Trevor Hunnicutt (Reuters)

Kenya’s New US-Backed Bid to Save Sudan from ‘Genocide’, by Aggrey Mutambo & Mawahib Abdallatif (Nation Africa)

China Is Winning the Minerals War, by Jon Emont (The Wall Street Journal)

Is It Time for a New Look at the US Obsession Over Chinese Economic Influence in Africa?, by Charles A. Ray (Foreign Policy Research Institute)

America’s ‘Taiwan Card’ to Contain Confident China Could Hurt Africa, by Peter Kagwanja (Nation Africa)

‘In It for the Long Game’: US Sailors Factor into Diplomatic Interests in Africa as China, Russia Vie for Influence, by Alison Bath (Stars and Stripes)

More Control, Less Deniability: What Next for Russia in Africa After Wagner?, by Eromo Egbejule (The Guardian)

Kenyan President Ruto’s White House Visit Spotlights U.S.-Africa Policy, by Adva Saldinger (Devex)

US Sen. Chris Coons on Kenyan President’s Visit, Africa Policy and Trade, by Adva Saldinger (Devex)

Visit by Kenyan President Can Open the Door to Greater African Trade, Investment, by Nii Simmonds (The Hill)

US Adjusts Military Layout in Africa, by Chen Hanghui & Guan Ying (China Military)

Central Africa/Sudans
Congo Lawyers Say They Have New Evidence on Apple’s Minerals Supply Chain, by Sonia Rolley (Reuters)

Félix Tshisekedi’s Battle Against Apple for the DRC’s ‘Blood Minerals’ Goes On, by Maher Hajbi (The Africa Report)

The Problem With ‘Conflict-Free’ Minerals, by Mélanie Gouby (Foreign Policy)

Congo Coup’s American Connections, by Dan M. Ford (Responsible Statecraft)

A Puzzling Attempted Coup in the DRC, by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Democratic Republic of the Congo President Tshisekedi (U.S. Department of State)

East Africa/Horn
Kenya and the U.S. Need Each Other More Than Ever, by Caroline Gray (Foreign Policy)

As U.S. Influence in Africa Wanes, Kenya Bucks the Trend, by Katharine Houreld (The Washington Post)

Kenyan President’s State Visit: An Antidote to U.S. Troubles in Africa?, by Declan Walsh (The New York Times)

Ruto’s State Visit Spotlights Kenya’s Centrality to Africa–US Relations, by Fergus Kell (Chatham House)

Kenya, a Key U.S. Partner, Needs Help to Foster Peace in Africa and Beyond, by Alex Rondos (United States Institute of Peace)

US ‘Feel Good’ Factor on Kenya’s William Ruto Only Goes So Far, by David Pilling (Financial Times)

Washington Completes the Disneyfication of William Ruto, by Kiri Rupiah (The Continent)

Will Ruto’s US Trip Help Diminish Chinese Influence in East Africa?, by Aggrey Mutambo & Luke Anami (The East African)

Why America Needs Kenya in New Africa Strategy to Dethrone China, by Dominic Omondi (Nation Africa)

Biden Looks to Counter China’s Influence as He Rolls Out Red Carpet for Kenya, by Kevin Liptak & Kayla Tausche (CNN)

Joe Biden to Upgrade Kenyan Ties to Counter Russian and Chinese Sway in Africa, by James Politi, Joe Daniels, Andres Schipani (Financial Times)

US Names Kenya Major Ally as Russian Influence Grows in Africa, by Sam Cabral (BBC)

Kenya to Get Major Non-NATO Ally Status During President’s US State Visit, by Alexander Ward (Politico)

Why Kenya’s Non-NATO Ally Status Is Crucial for Regional Security, by Beverly Ochieng (BBC)

Why US Is Tying up Kenya Security Partnership in the Horn, by Luke Anami (Nation Africa)

Biden Courts Kenya for Regional Politics, and Haiti Intervention, by Dan M. Ford (Responsible Statecraft)

Why the Biden White House Chose Kenya for Its First State Visit by an African Leader, by Anita Powell (Voice of America)

A White House State Dinner That Could Help Biden’s Election Chances, by Joyce M. Davis (CNN)

Biden Welcomes Kenya’s Leader as US Under Pressure in Africa, by Barbara Plett Usher (BBC)

Kenya’s Ruto Visits Washington: A New Era of Diplomacy?, by Ernesto Andrés Fuenmayor (DW)

How Geopolitics Influences Kenya-US Ties, by Muliro Wilfred Nasong’o (Nation Africa)

Meg Whitman’s Trying to Be A Different Kind of US Ambassador. Washington Is Noticing., by Nahal Toosi (Politico)

‘We Mean Business’: Deepening Ties Between U.S. and Kenya (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

US, Kenya Deals and Investments Announced as Ruto Meets Biden (Reuters)

Biden Moves to Secure Chips Act Funding for Kenya’s Ruto, by Akayla Gardner (Bloomberg)

How G7 Leaders Can Unlock Financing for Africa, by William Ruto (Project Syndicate)

Ruto’s Visit to Washington Provokes Some Highly Misleading Media Narratives About Chinese Debt, by Eric Olander (China Global South Project)

Kenya’s Chinese Debt to be on the Agenda When Ruto Arrives in Washington, by Eric Olander (China Global South Project)

Ruto Seeks Kenyan Debt Relief During White House Visit, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Biden, Kenya’s Ruto to Discuss Kenyan Debt Relief This Week, by Andrea Shalal, Trevor Hunnicutt, Steve Holland (Reuters)

Biden Welcomes Kenya’s Ruto with Talk of Business Deals and 1,000 Candles, by John T. Bennett (Roll Call)

United States-Kenya Joint Leaders’ Statement (The White House)

Remarks by Vice President Harris and President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya at a State Luncheon (The White House)

Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a State Luncheon in Honor of Kenyan President William Ruto (U.S. Department of State)

FACT SHEET: Vice President Harris Announces Public and Private Sector Commitments to Advancing Digital Inclusion in Africa (The White House)

FACT SHEET: Kenya State Visit to the United States (The White House)

Smith Calls for Resuming Real Trade Negotiations with Kenya Following Meeting with President Ruto (House Ways and Means Committee)

Senator Coons, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Celebrating 60-Year Anniversary of U.S.-Kenya Relations (Office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons)

Risch Meets with Kenyan President William Ruto (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

A Preview of Kenya’s State Visit, by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations)

Habari! White House to Welcome Kenyan President, by Anita Powell (Voice of America)

Does Clean Energy Ambition Give a Leader a Pass on His Past?, by Todd Moss (Eat More Electrons)

We Did Not Pay for President Ruto’s Jet to America, Says US Government (Nation Africa)

AFRICOM Leader Focuses on African Maritime Security in the West Indian Ocean (AFRICOM)

North Africa
US, Morocco Conduct Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, and Nuclear Response Demonstration at African Lion 2024, by Therese Prats (U.S. Army)

Southern Africa
Time to Cut U.S. Foreign Aid to South Africa, by Max Primorac (Heritage Foundation)

Brigety Should Have Called It a Day After Lady R ‘Misimpression’, by Adekeye Adebajo (Business Day)

‘US Is Strengthening Partnership with SA’, by Koena Mashale (Sowetan Live)

Eswatini Allegedly Assisting Russia to Register Ships Amid US Sanctions, Tankers Now Bear Swazi Flag, by Bongiwe Dlamini (Swaziland News)

Zimbabwe Shut Out of Poorly Attended US-Africa Business Summit (Bulawayo24)

West Africa
Dangote Says He Will Continue to Import US Oil: ‘We Can’t Wait’, by Kanika Saigal, Aurélie M’Bida, Matthieu Millecamps, Fanny David (The Africa Report)

Recent Events
Enhancing the Voice of Sudanese Civilians on Issues Key to Ending the War and Restoring Peace, May 21, 11:00am EDT (Wilson Center)

A U.S.-Kenyan Rescue in Haiti and its Implications for American Foreign Policy, May 21, 12:00pm EDT (Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft)

Inaugural Canada-Africa Business Forum in Washington DC, May 22-23 (The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business)

The Atlantic Partnership: African Perspectives on the Way Forward, May 24, 9:30am EDT (Atlantic Council)

Sustainable Development in Africa Conference, May 24, 10:00am EDT (Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver)

Check out Measuring African Perspectives on Democracy and Governance (Foresight Africa Podcast, Brookings Institution), What Is the Role of the US in the Sahel? (Straight Talk Africa, Voice of America), Biden’s Kenyan Courtship (Fault Lines, National Security Institute), Kenya State Visit: An Evening with President William Samoi Ruto Hosted by Prosper Africa (Prosper Africa), President Biden Hosts Kenya’s President Ruto for a State Visit (Al Jazeera), Hargis on US, China Relations with Kenya, Africa (Bloomberg), US Elevates Security Relationship with Kenya at State Visit (Voice of America), U.S.-Kenya Business Forum (U.S. Chamber of Commerce), and The Ripple Effects of the Coup in Niger (Post Reports, The Washington Post)

May 21, 2024

Upcoming Events
Enhancing the Voice of Sudanese Civilians on Issues Key to Ending the War and Restoring Peace, May 21, 11:00am EDT (Wilson Center)

A U.S.-Kenyan Rescue in Haiti and its Implications for American Foreign Policy, May 21, 12:00pm EDT (Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft)

Inaugural Canada-Africa Business Forum in Washington DC, May 22-23 (The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business)

The Atlantic Partnership: African Perspectives on the Way Forward, May 24, 9:30am EDT (Atlantic Council)

Sustainable Development in Africa Conference, May 24, 10:00am EDT (Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver)

Brown Capital Management Africa Forum Relaunch: Sovereign Wealth Funds and Infrastructure Development in Africa, May 28, 11:00am EDT (Wilson Center)

Setting Priorities and Optimizing Resources in Africa: The New Public Health Order, May 28, 12:30pm EDT (Center for Global Development)

News & Analysis
Top Picks
Standing Up to Africa’s Juntas, by Joseph Siegle & Jeffrey Smith (Journal of Democracy)

Intelligence Advantage: Profiling African Leaders’ Meetings with U.S. Presidents, by Judd Devermont (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Continent At-Large
African Countries Are Failing to Make a Dent in Washington’s Diplomatic Scene, by Nahal Toosi (Politico)

Retaining US Influence in Africa Requires Bridge-Building with China, by Jakkie Cilliers (Institute for Security Studies)

A Coalition of the Dissatisfied? Why China and Russia Are Winning Friends in Africa, by Jevans Nyabiage (South China Morning Post)

The New Rules of Geopolitics in Africa, by J. Peter Pham (DefenseOne)

GOP Senators Blast Biden Admin Moves in Africa as Russia Looks to Fill Vacuum, by Paul Tilsley (Fox News)

Why Russia Seeks to Dominate Africa, by Walter Russell Mead (The Wall Street Journal)

How the U.S. Loses Africa to Putin’s Russia, by Patrick Quirk (The Wall Street Journal)

Wagner Infiltration of State Security Apparatuses in Africa: Implications for Human Rights and the Rule of Law, by Ansoumane Samassy Souare (Wilson Center)

US Ex-Im Bank Audit Finds Lack of Growth Strategy in Africa, by Paul Burkhardt (Bloomberg)

Trade Pact Would Be a Bonanza for Africa — if It Can Be Made to Work, by Keith B. Richburg (The Washington Post)

Strengthening US-African Partnership, by Kester Kenn Klomegah (Eurasia Review)

NATO and Its South: Redefining the Terms, by Mathieu Droin, Carlota G. Encina, Cameron Hudson, Selin Uysal (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Central Africa/Sudans
Congolese Army Says It Foiled a Coup Involving Americans, by Declan Walsh (The New York Times)

DRC: Kinshasa ‘Coup Attempt’ Was Led by a US Citizen, by Anne Kappès-Grangé & Socrate Nsimba (The Africa Report)

Americans Arrested in Congo Amid Accusations of Coup Attempt, by Katharine Houreld (The Washington Post)

Explainer: The Foiled Coup in DR Congo: Here’s What to Know (Reuters)

American Detained in Failed Congo Coup Is Former DC Drug Dealer and Married Father-of-Three Who Was Running Gold Mining and E-Cigarette Business with Slain Mission’s Leader, by Germania Rodriguez Poleo (Daily Mail)

US Blames China’s CMOC for Predatory Tactics Behind Cobalt Glut, by Michael J. Kavanagh (Bloomberg)

Senior U.S. Diplomat Accuses Chinese Company of “Predatory” Tactics to Depress Cobalt Prices, by Eric Olander (China Global South Project)

In Quest for Metals, U.S. Pitches Deal to Ease Sanctions on Israeli Businessman, by Julie Steinberg (The Wall Street Journal)

Seeking Access to Congo’s Metals, White House Aims to Ease Sanctions, by Eric Lipton (The New York Times)

The US, EU, Japan Look to DRC in Microchip War with China, by Lenin Ndebele (News24)

The Minerals Security Partnership Welcomes New Deal in Minerals Offtake and Processing Between STL in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Umicore in Belgium (U.S. Department of State)

Why the US Is Unable to Restrain the UAE in Sudan, by Jonathan Fenton-Harvey (The New Arab)

Sanctioning Sudanese Rapid Support Forces Commanders (U.S. Department of State)

US Slaps Sanctions on Sudan Paramilitary Commanders Over Darfur Offensive (Agence France Presse)

At the Sahel’s Center, Tension Rises Over Chad’s Disputed Election, by Yamingué Bétinbaye & Kamel Fakhry (United States Institute of Peace)

On the Election in Chad (U.S. Department of State)

Congressman Matt Gaetz Demands Oversight into the Defense Department’s Military Withdrawal from Chad (Office of Congressman Matt Gaetz)

‘Don’t Be Hypocrites’ Says São Tomé PM Trovoada, Downplaying Russian Arms Accord, by Laura Angela Bagnetto (The Africa Report)

US to Increase International Military Education & Training (IMET) for Equatorial Guinea, by Michael Walsh (defenceWeb)

East Africa/Horn
Ruto on First State Visit by Kenyan Leader to US in Two Decades (Agence France Presse)

Biden to Host Kenyan President for State Visit, by Julia Mueller (The Hill)

Press Briefing: Kenyan State Visit (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

What’s at Stake in Kenyan President William Ruto’s State Visit to the U.S.?, by Meron Elias (International Crisis Group)

Why President Ruto’s State Visit to the US Is Significant, by Stephanie Wangari (The Standard)

Balance of Power: Inside Ruto’s Power Date with POTUS Joe Biden, by Aggrey Mutambo (Nation Africa)

What to Look Out for in Ruto’s Visit to America, by Bob Wekesa (Nation Africa)

Kenyan President 4-Day State Visit to the U.S.: What’s at Stake? (Africanews)

Kenyan President Aims to Attract Green Investment During U.S. Visit, by Katharine Houreld (The Washington Post)

Kenya’s Promotion to the Big Leagues, by Rose Mutiso & Katie Auth (Energy for Growth Hub)

Ruto’s Snub at US Congress Part of Power Play Between Democrats and Republicans, by Brian Kimani (Kenyans)

VP Kamala Harris, Ruto to Discuss Digital Inclusion in Africa During US Visit, by Perpetua Etyang (The Star)

Commerce Secretary Raimondo Applauds Kenya as a Leader in Africa’s Digital Transformation (U.S. Department of Commerce)

Kenyan President Ruto’s Visit to Atlanta (U.S. Department of State)

Celebrating the Army’s Lab Partnership with Kenya While Guaranteeing Its Future, by J. Stephen Morrison & Thomas Cullison (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Harnessing the Power of Vision: Meg Whitman’s Transformative Diplomacy in Africa, by Gina Din (New African Magazine)

President Ruto Criticises US, EU for Neglecting African Conflicts at African CEO Forum, by Samuel Mwanawanjuguna (Kenyans)

How Tiny Djibouti Said ‘No’ to the US Over Houthi Red Sea Attacks, by Simon Marks (Bloomberg)

Ethnic Strife Is Tearing Ethiopia Apart, But America Can Help End It, by Mesfin Tegenu (The Hill)

Ethiopia Protests US Ambassador’s Speech After He Calls for Release of Political Prisoners, by Evelyne Musambi (Associated Press)

US Fails to Compensate Victims of Drone Strikes in Somalia (Garowe Online)

North Africa
Moscow Gains the Upper Hand Over Washington in Libya (Africa Intelligence)

United States Launches New Climate Action Program in Morocco (U.S. Agency for International Development)

Investment Minister Mohcine Jazouli’s US Roadshow Far From Resounding Success (Africa Intelligence)

Southern Africa
Lobito Corridor: Game-Changer in African Transport, Trade, by Luke Anami (The East African)

United States and Zambia Sign Partnership to Prevent Trafficking in Persons (U.S. Department of State)

West Africa
US to Complete Withdrawal from Niger by Sept. 15 (Reuters)

Pentagon: U.S. Forces to Leave Niger by Mid-September, by Hannah Allam (The Washington Post)

U.S. to Withdraw Troops From Niger, by Nancy A. Youssef (The Wall Street Journal)

US Departure from Niger ‘Already Underway’ Ahead of September Deadline, by Noah Robertson & Jonathan Lehrfeld (DefenseNews)

Niger Leaves Open Continued Military Engagement With U.S., by Jim Garamone (U.S. Department of Defense)

U.S. Lays Out Plans for Withdrawing Troops from Niger, by Missy Ryan & Rachel Chason (The Washington Post)

Biden’s Latest Policy Failure: West Africa, by Paul du Quenoy (Newsweek)

US Sanctions Missing Their Mark, by Flore Berger, Matt Herbert, Lucia Bird Ruiz-Benitez de Lugo (Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime)

US and Allies Heighten Maritime Security Training Along West Africa’s Coast, by Kent Mensah (The Africa Report)

U.S. Africa Command Launches Multi-Nation Special Warfare Exercise, by Matthew Olay (U.S. Department of Defense)

Celebrating Progress: Recent Successes in the U.S.-Nigeria Partnership (U.S. Department of State)

The Hypothesis of a U.S. Military Base in Nigeria, by Femi D. Omuju (The Guardian Nigeria)

The US Revives Aviation Deal with Nigeria, by Chinedu Okafor (Business Insider Africa)

Again, Blinken Meets Tuggar, Pledges Stronger U.S., Nigeria Ties, by Tope Templer Olaiya (The Guardian Nigeria)

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Nigerian Foreign Minister Tuggar (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
Transitional Justice and Empowering Women for Sustainable Peace in Zimbabwe, May 14, 12:00pm EDT (Wilson Center)

US-Nigeria Partnership in the Changing Global Arena: A Conversation with the Foreign Minister of Nigeria, H. E. Amb. Y. M. Tuggar, May 15, 10:00am EDT (Wilson Center)

Policing in Africa: Imperatives to Peacebuilding, May 15, 2:00pm EDT (Wilson Center)

Gates Forum: Why Reinvigorating US Development Assistance is Essential to America’s National Interests, May 16, 11:00am EDT (Wilson Center)

The Millennium Challenge Corporation at 20 Years, May 16, 1:00pm EDT (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

A Conversation with Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, May 16, 3:00pm EDT (Center for Global Development)

South Africa’s Historic Election: A Conversation with Freedom Front Plus Deputy Leader and Chief Whip Dr. Corné Mulder, May 17, 12:00pm EDT (Hudson Institute)

Africa-U.S. Forum: The First Korea, Africa Summit 2024, May 20, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capitol Campus)

Check out Into the Africa Land Forces Summit (Into Africa, Center for Strategic & International Studies), Unlocking Africa’s Development Potential (United States Institute of Peace), and United States Relations with US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman (Citizen TV Kenya)

May 7, 2024

Upcoming Events
Reviewing DFC’s Efforts to Out Compete China’s BRI, May 7, 2:00pm (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

Transitional Justice and Empowering Women for Sustainable Peace in Zimbabwe, May 14, 12:00pm (Wilson Center)

Policing in Africa: Imperatives to Peacebuilding, May 15, 2:00pm (Wilson Center)

Africa-U.S. Forum: The First Korea, Africa Summit 2024, May 20, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capitol Campus)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
What Does African Rejection Mean for the U.S.?, by Cameron Hudson (The New York Times)

Continent At-Large
US-Africa Business Summit: Eight Things to Watch This Week, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

US-Africa Trade Deal Turns 25 Next Year: AGOA’s Winners, Losers and What Should Come Next, by Bedassa Tadesse (The Conversation)

With Africa’s Minerals in Demand, Russia and the US Each Offer What the Other Can’t, by Alexander Tripp (Atlantic Council)

The U.S. Needs To Counter Russia and China in Africa, by Ethan Shapiro (RealClearDefense)

Pawns Replaced as Cold War II Brews in the Global South, by Patrick Smith (The Africa Report)

AI in Africa Opens Up New Battlefront for China, US, by Martin K.N. Siele (Semafor)

Addressing China’s Monopoly over Africa’s Renewable Energy Minerals, by Desmond Egyin (Wilson Center)

Negotiating Development Corridor Projects in Africa, by Richard Dion (Brookings Institution)

It Matters How the Media Reports on Africa, by Juliet Lancey (Wilson Center)

My Commitment to a New Era of US-Africa Relations, by Ilhan Omar (Mshale)

Growing Green: Investing in African Agriculture Sustainably, by Ellasandra Walsh (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to Lead U.S. Delegation to the 2024 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Dallas (United States Mission to the United Nations)

CACI to Deliver IT Solutions to AFRICOM, by Patrick Kenyette (Military Africa)

Central Africa/Sudans
The Daunting Challenges Facing Biden’s Sudan Envoy, by Dan M. Ford (Responsible Statecraft)

US Gives Equatorial Guinea a Pass on Human Trafficking, by Michael Walsh (The Africa Report)

US Withdraws Troops from Base in Chad Following Government Demand, by Natasha Bertrand (CNN)

US Says It Will Return to Chad for Talks to Keep Troops in the Country, by Francis Kokutse (Associated Press)

US Blames Rwanda and Rebels for Deadly Camp Strike, by James Gregory (BBC)

US Calls on Rwanda to Punish Forces Over DRC Attack (Agence France Presse)

Russia and China Are Much Less Sneaky than the West – DRC President, by Chinedu Okafor (Business Insider Africa)

Western Countries Can Fund Seminars but Won’t Aid Manufacturing in Africa – Museveni, by Rotimi Agbana (Punch)

East Africa/Horn
Somalia Reports Food Diversion Involving US-Trained Soldiers, by Harun Maruf (Voice of America)

Somalia Detains U.S.-Trained Commandos Over Theft of Rations (Reuters)

USAID Launches $6 Million Program for Climate Resilience Efforts in Kenya, by Mohammed Yusuf (Voice of America)

McCaul, Meeks Request Invitation to Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto to Address Congress on Official U.S. Visit (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

North Africa
U.S. Africa Command’s Largest Annual Exercise Kicks Off in Tunisia, by Matthew Olay (U.S. Department of Defense)

Southern Africa
Mutual Suspicion Grates U.S.-South Africa Relations, by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations)

Baker Hughes Builds First Namibian Mud Plant as Exploration Surges, by Wendall Roelf (Reuters)

West Africa
Russian Troops Enter Base Housing US Military in Niger, US Official Says, by Phil Stewart & Idrees Ali (Reuters)

Russian Forces Are Operating at Same Base as US Troops in Niger, by Natasha Bertrand (CNN)

What’s Next as ‘Heavy-Handed’ US Negotiates Pullout from Niger?, by Lorraine Mallinder (Al-Jazeera)

ISIS Leader from Niger Ambush That Killed 4 US Troops May Be Dead, by Jeff Schogol (Task & Purpose)

The Bleak Life of a Deposed President and His Wife, Held Captive, by Elian Peltier (The New York Times)

‘We Are Still Engaged with West African Juntas’ – US AFRICOM Head Gen Michael Langley, by Aaron Akinyemi & Chris Ewokor (BBC)

Nigeria: Northern Governors Under Fire for Attending US Security Summit, by Ben Ezemalu (The Africa Report)

Don’t Allow US, French Military Bases in Nigeria, Northern Leaders Warn Tinubu, by Taofeek Oyedokun (Business Day)

Russia Riding US Right Out of West Africa, by Olumba E Ezenwa & John Sunday Ojo (Asia Times)

USAID Will Provide Nearly $55 Million to Address Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Burkina Faso (U.S. Agency for International Development)

Recent Events
Conflict and Humanitarian Emergency in Sudan: An Urgent Call to Action, May 1, 10:30am EDT (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

Check out The Twists and Turns of U.S.- Tanzania Bilateral Relations (Into Africa, Center for Strategic & International Studies) & Why Are US Soldiers Leaving Chad? (Focus on Africa, BBC)

May 1, 2024

Upcoming Events

Africa-U.S. Forum: The First Korea – Africa Summit 2024, May 20, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capitol Campus)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
US-Niger Breakup a ‘Disaster’ and Preventable ‘Own Goal’ by Washington, by Julian Pecquet & Sheriff Bojang Jnr (The Africa Report)

Continent At-Large
U.S. Loses Soft Power Edge in Africa, by Benedict Vigers (Gallup)

China Inches Ahead of US in African Approval Ratings, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

US No Longer Viewed as Most Influential Global Power in Africa: Survey, by Lauren Irwin (The Hill)

What the Polls Tell Us About U.S.-China Influence Competition in Africa, by Eric Olander (China Global South Project)

The US Asserts That It Is a Better Option for Africa than Russia and China, by Chinedu Okafor (Business Insider Africa)

US Is ‘Best’ Choice for Africa over Russia or China, US Commerce Secretary Says, by Larry Madowo (CNN)

US Losing Ground to Russia in Geopolitical Battle over Africa, by Brad Dress (The Hill)

Building Critical Mineral Partnerships in Africa for U.S. Economic, National Security, by Thomas P. Sheehy (The Washington Times)

How the AGOA Reauthorization Process Could Help Diversify U.S. Critical Mineral Supplies, by Zainab Usman & Alexander Csanadi (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

AGOA to Be Expanded to All of Africa and Extended to 2041, by Luke Anami (The East African)

The United States’ Reversal of Course Toward Financing AU Peace Support Operations, by Ruth Namatovu (Wilson Center)

Central Africa/Sudans
Russian Mercenaries Hunt the African Warlord America Couldn’t Catch, by Mac William Bishop (Rolling Stone)

Preventing Another Darfur Genocide, by Cameron Hudson (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

US Appeals to UAE, Others to Stop Support for Sudan’s Warring Parties (Reuters)

East Africa/Horn
US Official Announces Business Partnership with Kenya, by Mariama Diallo (Voice of America)

U.S. Chamber Delegation to Kenya Lays Groundwork for State Visit (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

North Africa
An Iron Curtain May Fall Again—This Time in Libya, by Karim Mezran (Atlantic Council)

United States’ Ex-Envoy Warns of Russian Influence in Libya, by Abdulkader Assad (The Libya Observer)

Southern Africa
USAID Launches New Partnerships to Support Malaria Prevention, Strengthen Infrastructure, and Bolster Food Security in Angola (U.S. Agency for International Development)

President Biden’s National Day Message for South Africa (U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa)

West Africa
Resetting U.S. West Africa Policy, by Amine Ghoulidi (The National Interest)

Geopolitical Competition Is Reshaping West Africa, by Afolabi Adekaiyaoja (World Politics Review)

U.S. to Withdraw Troops From Chad, Dealing Another Blow to Africa Policy, by Eric Schmitt (The New York Times)

U.S. Troops to Leave Chad, as Another African State Reassesses Ties, by Rachel Chason, Dan Lamothe, John Hudson (The Washington Post)

Some US Troops Set to Depart Chad, At Least Temporarily (Reuters)

US Withdrawal from Niger Demonstrates America’s Coup Confusion, by Austin S. Matthews (The Hill)

The U.S. Military Is Getting Kicked Out of Niger, by Amy Mackinnon (Foreign Policy)

US Negotiates for ‘Orderly and Responsible Withdrawal’ of Troops from Niger, as Russia Moves In, by Lenin Ndebele (News24)

US Sending Senior Officials to Niger to Discuss Troop Exit (Agence France Presse)

US to Pull Troops from Chad and Niger as the African Nations Question Its Counterterrorism Role, by Tara Copp (Associated Press)

No Final Decision on Withdrawing US Troops from Niger and Chad, Top Official Tells AP, by Tara Copp (Associated Press)

Burkina Faso Suspends VOA, BBC/Africa Broadcasts, by Liam Scott (Voice of America)

Statement on Burkina Faso’s Actions Against VOA Programming (Voice of America)

Joint Statement on Civilian Massacres and Media Suspensions in Burkina Faso (U.S. Department of State)

Why Are Western Troops in West Africa Being Given the ‘Boot’ One After the Other? (Global Times – Chinese State Media)

United States Air Force B1-B Bombers Fly to Ghana Ahead of Flintlock 2024, by Ekene Lionel (Military Africa)

Trade Minister Sells Ghana’s Industrialisation Agenda to US Investors (Modern Ghana)

The United States of America and Côte d’Ivoire Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Collaboration on Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events

Check out This $1.7B Railway Is U.S.’s First Challenge to China in Africa (The Wall Street Journal), After Niger Setback, US To Withdraw Troops From Chad As Africa Strengthens Ties With Russia, China (CRUX) & Don’t Call It a “Coup Epidemic” in Africa (Good Authority)

April 16, 2024

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Getting Real: How the United States Can Deliver on its Commitment to African Infrastructure, by Katie Auth (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Continent At-Large
Long-Distance Industrial Policy for Africa, by Justin Sandefur and Arvind Subramanian (Center for Global Development)

Renewing AGOA “As Is” Won’t Do Much for Africa’s Exports. Here’s What Could., by Justin Sandefur and Arvind Subramanian (Center for Global Development)

African Growth and Opportunity Act: Mutually Assured Construction, by Ronak Gopaldas (Institute for Security Studies)

Africa’s Democratic Dividend, by Mohamed Kheir Omer & Parselelo Ole Kantai (African Arguments)

The U.S. Is in Retreat in a Crucial Part of the World, by Ishaan Tharoor (The Washington Post)

US vs. Russia: Why the Biden Strategy in Africa May Be Failing, by Erin Banco & Lara Seligman (Politico)

The US, the West and the Future of Africa, by Jakkie Cilliers (Institute for Security Studies)

China Is Extending Its Lead Over the US in Africa’s Energy Transition, by Martin K.N Siele (Semafor)

China and America Woo African Space Agencies in the New Space Race, by Scott Firsing (London School of Economics)

African Lending Needs a Better World Bank, by Hannah Ryder (Foreign Policy)

Africa’s Digital Transformation: Closing the Digital Divide, by Kendra Gaither (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Deputy Secretary Verma’s Visit to Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Angola (U.S. Department of State)

READOUT: Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo Leads U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment Roundtable (U.S. Department of the Treasury)

Central Africa/Sudans
Sudan Is Not a Lost Cause, by Suha Musa (Foreign Policy)

Sudan Is in Need — Why Is the World Silent Yet Again?, by Jeffrey Herbst (The Hill)

Cardin, Risch, Meeks, McCaul Request Determination of Human Rights Abuses Committed by Sudan’s RSF (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

Chair Cardin Urges U.S., Partners to Push for Immediate Humanitarian Assistance to Sudan (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

The United States Calls for an Immediate Cessation of Attacks in El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan (U.S. Department of State)

Rwanda-Backed Rebels Are Choking the Congolese People, Yet This Is One Conflict the World Can Easily End, by Vava Tampa (The Guardian)

DRC’s Gécamines Launches $925,000 US Influence Campaign, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

East Africa/Horn
Donors Pledge $630 Million for Conflict-Hit Ethiopia But Fall Far Short of $1 Billion Needed, by Evelyne Musambi (Associated Press)

United States Provides Nearly $154 Million in Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of Ethiopia (U.S. Agency for International Development)

Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Helicopter Crash in Kenya (The White House)

North Africa
Has Egypt Been Playing a Double Game with Hamas?, by Michael Rubin (Middle East Forum Observer)

Tunisia Holds Valuable Lessons for Us All as Democracy Stumbles, by Gordon Gray (The Washington Diplomat)

The United States Should No Longer Ignore Tunisia’s Migration Crisis, by Yagmur A. Fitzwater (International Policy Digest)

Southern Africa
South Africa, AGOA, and Nonalignment, by Witney Schneidman (Brookings Institution)

South Africa Evades US Censure Even as It Builds Links to Rivals, by Michael Cohen (Bloomberg)

Why Rebuke Naledi Pandor for Safeguarding South Africa’s Sovereignty?, by Mavuso Msimang (Mail & Guardian)

US Legislators Threaten ‘Consequences’ if SA Arrests Citizens for Serving in Israeli Army, by Peter Fabricius (Daily Maverick)

The Rare Earths Mine Becoming a Bellwether for US Minerals Policy, by Harry Dempsey (Financial Times)

Risch, Coons, Booker, Scott Applaud Senate Passage of Resolution Condemning Eswatini’s Human Rights Record (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

West Africa
The US Is Losing Access to Its Bases in Niger − Here’s Why That’s a Big Deal, by Michael A. Allen, Carla Martinez Machain, Michael E. Flynn (The Conversation)

Niger’s Eviction of U.S. Commandos, Drones Derails America’s Counterterror Strategy, by Michael M. Phillips (The Wall Street Journal)

‘A Setback’: Pentagon Searches for New African Operations Turf After Coups, by John Vandiver (Stars and Stripes)

U.S. Military to Withdraw Troops From Niger, by Eric Schmitt (The New York Times)

US to Withdraw Its Troops from Niger, Source Says (Reuters)

US Agrees to Pull Troops from Niger, by Nicholas Slayton (Task & Purpose)

US Military Begins Process to Remove Troops from Troubled African Nation, by Kyle Morris (Fox News)

US to Pull Its 1,100 Troops from Niger, by Kelley Beaucar Vlahos (Responsible Statecraft)

On the Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Niger (U.S. Department of State)

US Military Withdrawal from Niger Is a ‘Particularly Big One That Hurts’, by Mike Brest (Washington Examiner)

The US Attempts a New Military Deal with Niger in a Last Ditch Effort to Stay, by Jessica Donati and Sam Mednick (Associated Press)

Military Whistleblower Accuses US Leaders of Suppressing Niger Relationship Downfall, by Mike Brest (Washington Examiner)

Defying Niger Exit Order Leaves U.S. Troops Vulnerable, Whistleblower Says, by John Hudson, Dan Lamothe, Rachel Chason and Alex Horton (The Washington Post)

U.S. Troops in Niger Say They’re “Stranded” and Can’t Get Mail, Medicine, by Nick Turse (The Intercept)

Niger Gives Russia More of a Foothold in the Sahel After Ditching US and France, by Sheriff Bojang Jnr (The Africa Report)

Congressman Gaetz Releases Bombshell Report on State Department’s American Troop Crisis Cover-Up in Niger (Office of Congressman Matt Gaetz)

Chad’s Government Threatens to Kick Out US Troops as Russia Expands Influence in Africa, by Haley Britzky, Oren Liebermann, Natasha Bertran (CNN)

Chad Threatens to Expel US Troops as Russian Influence Looms Large, by Sheriff Bojang Jnr (The Africa Report)

Chad Asks US to Cease Operations at Strategic Army Base, by Katarina Hoije (Bloomberg)

Russia Moves In on Northern Africa, by the Editorial Board (The Wall Street Journal)

For Peace in Africa, Boost Regional Blocs — Like West Africa’s ECOWAS, by Joseph Sany (United States Institute of Peace)

US Sanctions ‘West African Hostage Takers’, by Sheriff Bojang Jnr (The Africa Report)

The Tragedy and Promise of #BringBackOurGirls, by Karen Attiah (The Washington Post)

Recent Events
Africa Futures Summit, April 16, 9:00am EDT (United States Institute of Peace)

9th Annual AGOA Spring Conference, April 18, 9:00am EDT (AGOA CSO Network)

The US-Africa Leadership Summit: Engagement with the African Diaspora, April 18, 10:30am (Foreign Policy Research Institute)

Africa-U.S. Forum: Africa and Freedom of Expression, April 22, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capital Campus)

Check out U.S.-China Competition for Africa’s Critical Resources (The China in Africa Podcast), The Past and Present of U.S-Africa Policy, and How the Youth Will Shape Its Future with Melvin Foote (Georgetown Public Policy Review) & Battle for Influence Between US and China Heats Up in Africa (CNA – Singaporean State Media)

April 16, 2024

Upcoming Events
Africa Futures Summit, April 16, 9:00am EDT (United States Institute of Peace)

9th Annual AGOA Spring Conference, April 18, 9:00am EDT (AGOA CSO Network)

Africa-U.S. Forum: Africa and Freedom of Expression, April 22, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capital Campus)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Washington’s Failed Africa Policy Needs a Reset, by Daniel Twining & Will Meeker (Foreign Policy)

Continent At-Large
US Senators Introduce Bill to Renew Africa Trade Pact Through 2041, by Makini Brice (Reuters)

US Senate Introduces 16-Year AGOA Renewal, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

US Lawmakers Plan to Extend Africa Trade Pact AGOA Through 2041, by Ana Monteiro (Bloomberg)

Risch, Coons Introduce Legislation to Renew Trade Partnership Between U.S. and Sub-Saharan African Countries (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

Proposed AGOA Renewal Hangs on US Elections Outcome, Say Experts, by Siphelele Dludla (IOL)

Critical Minerals in Africa: Strengthening Security, Supporting Development, and Reducing Conflict amid Geopolitical Competition (United States Institute of Peace)

Report: US Must Enhance Critical Minerals Strategy in Africa, by Nike Ching (Voice of America)

U.S. Foreign Aid Is Broken but Fixable, by Walter Kerr & Amanda Arch (Foreign Policy)

Who’s the Big Boss of the Global South? (The Economist)

Understanding Africa’s Coups, by Alex Vines (Georgetown Journal of International Affairs)

‘Matter of Time’: AFRICOM Puts Counter-Drone Systems at Top of $500M Unfunded Priorities List, by Lee Ferran & Valerie Insinna (Breaking Defense)

Central Africa/Sudans
US to Announce Additional $100 Million in Aid to Respond to Sudan Conflict, by Daphne Psaledakis (Reuters)

Looking Ahead after a Year of Conflict in Sudan, by Cameron Hudson (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Sudan: One Year into Conflict, Freedom House Urges United Action to End Violence and Aid Democratic Transition (Freedom House)

Washington Changes Strategy Ahead of Fresh Talks in Jeddah (Africa Intelligence)

Chair Cardin Statement Marking One Year Since Onset of Civil War in Sudan (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

Risch on One Year Anniversary of War in Sudan (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

McCaul, Meeks Statement on One-Year Mark Since Start of Sudan Conflict (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

Rwanda’s Leader Criticises Perceived US Ambiguity Over 1994 Genocide (Africanews)

Ending Congo’s Forever War, by Adekeye Adebajo (Project Syndicate)

East Africa/Horn
US Warns of Possible Attacks on ‘Multiple Locations’ in Mogadishu, by Harun Maruf (Voice of America)

Chair Cardin Statement on the Killing of Bate Urgessa in Ethiopia (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

North Africa
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry (U.S. Department of State)

Washington’s Delicate Balancing Act with Kais Saied (Africa Intelligence)

Morocco’s Tourism Office Hires Lobbyist Joshua Kaufman for North America (Africa Intelligence)

Southern Africa
The Empty Promises of the US-EU Lobito Infrastructure Project, by Chris O. Ògúnmọ́dẹdé (Stimson Center)

US Senators Drop Plans to Mandate Immediate Review of South Africa’s Eligibility for AGOA, by Peter Fabricius (Daily Maverick)

Stop Financing South Africa’s Rogue Foreign Policy, by Max Primorac (The National Interest)

To Decipher South Africa’s Strange Foreign Policy, Look to Its Past, by Keith B. Richburg (The Washington Post)

Fact Sheet: The African National Congress’s Hostility Toward the United States, by Joshua Meservey (Hudson Institute)

West Africa
What Washington Got Wrong About Niger and Russia, by John Lechner & Sergey Eledinov (Responsible Statecraft)

Rift Between US and Niger Reveals Failure of ‘Counterterrorism’ in West Africa, by Owen Schalk (Canadian Dimension)

Russian Soldiers Arrive in Niger as Relationship with U.S. Deteriorates, by Rachel Chason (The Washington Post)

Protesters in Niger Call for U.S. Military Exit as Russian Force Arrives, by Elian Peltier (The New York Times)

To Help Stabilize West Africa, Bolster a Key Partner: Nigeria, by Rachel Yeboah Boakye, Chris Kwaja, Matthew Reitman (United States Institute of Peace)

Recent Events
Leveraging the AfCFTA to Accelerate US Trade and Investment in Africa, April 10, 10:00am EDT (Brookings Institution)

Senegal’s Democracy: How Did We Get Here and What Shall We Expect?, April 10:30am EDT (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

USAID’s Foreign Policy and International Development Priorities in the Era of Great Power Competition, April 10, 2:00pm (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

Sustainable Security Solutions in West Africa, April 11, 9:00am EDT (New Lines Institute)

Check out The Political Unrest in Chad with Dr Nathaniel Powell (Centre for African Conflict & Development) & New U.S. Envoy on Ending Sudan’s War (International Crisis Group)

April 9, 2024

Upcoming Events
Leveraging the AfCFTA to Accelerate US Trade and Investment in Africa, April 10, 10:00am EDT (Brookings Institution)

Senegal’s Democracy: How Did We Get Here and What Shall We Expect?, April 10:30am EDT (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

USAID’s Foreign Policy and International Development Priorities in the Era of Great Power Competition, April 10, 2:00pm (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

Sustainable Security Solutions in West Africa, April 11, 9:00am EDT (New Lines Institute)

9th Annual AGOA Spring Conference, April 18, 9:00am EDT (AGOA CSO Network)

Africa-U.S. Forum: Africa and Freedom of Expression, April 22, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capital Campus)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
In Shifting US Ties with Niger and Africa, Focus on Human Rights and Democracy to Strengthen Partnerships, by Ikechukwu Uzoma (Just Security)

Continent At-Large
Why Africans Hold the Future of Global Democracy in Their Hands, by Rama Yade (Atlantic Council)

Biden Administration Looks to Boost Africa’s Creative Industries, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Central Africa/Sudans
President Biden Announces Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Rwanda on the Occasion of Kwibuka 30 (The White House)

Ex-President Clinton to Lead Rwanda Genocide Delegation Amid Tensions with US, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Curbing Outside Intervention in the Sudan War, Jonathan Campbell-James (The Washington Institute for Near East Policy)

Renewing the Call for the South Sudan Transitional Government to Conduct a Credible Investigation Into Journalist Christopher Allen’s Death (U.S. Department of State)

Ugandan Court Decision on the Anti-Homosexuality Act (U.S. Department of State)

Chair Cardin Statement on Ugandan Constitutional Court Decision Upholding Anti-Homosexuality Act (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

East Africa/Horn
US Point Out Gaps in Kenya’s Financial Management System Portal, by Boniface Otieno (The East African)

Relations Between Kenya and US Business Strained by Bribery, by Chinedu Okafor (Business Insider Africa)

North Africa
U.S. Security Cooperation with Morocco (U.S. Department of State)

Southern Africa
Bringing South Africa to Its Knees Would Be Self-Sabotage for the US, by Naledi Pandor (Financial Times)

The US Can’t Afford to Cripple SA, Says Naledi Pandor in UK Op-Ed, by Phillip de Wet (News24)

US Concerned Over South Africa’s Growing Ties with Russia, Iran and Hamas: ‘Fallen’ for Propaganda, by Peter Aitken (Fox News)

Why a Confirmed Ambassador and Revised Strategy Are Needed to Advance U.S. Foreign Policy Interests in Zimbabwe, by Charles A. Ray & Michael Walsh (Afro News)

West Africa
How the United States Lost Niger, by Cameron Hudson (Foreign Policy)

The United States Needs to Get Troops Out of Niger, by William Walldorf (The Hill)

Niger’s Pivot to Moscow: What’s Next for US Engagement in Africa?, by Raphael Parens, Christopher Faulkner, Marcel Plichta (Foreign Policy Research Institute)

Counter-Terror Turned the Sahel into a Coup-Belt. U.S. Policy in the Region Should Move On., by Hannah Rae Armstrong (Center for International Policy)

The US War on Terror in West Africa Is a Continuing Disaster, by Nick Turse (Jacobin)

Senegal Just Saved Its Democracy. That Helps All West Africa., by Joseph Sany (United States Institute of Peace)

Could Togo’s New Constitution Jeopardize its Stability?, by Komlan Avoulete (Foreign Policy Research Institute)

Recent Events
The State of Governance and Rule of Law in Uganda, April 3, 10:00am EDT (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Implementing the Global Fragility Act in Sub-Saharan Africa, April 3, 3:00pm EDT (Howard University)

Building Peace and Resilience in West Africa – a Conversation with ECOWAS Vice President Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, April 4, 9:30am (Georgetown University)

Crossroads of Democracy: A Conversation about Senegal’s Current Political Landscape, April 4, 12:00pm EDT (Georgetown University)

Kenya’s and Zambia’s Relations with China 1949-2019, April 5, 10:30am (Georgetown University)

Check out Investigating US-Trained Coup Leaders in Africa (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

April 2, 2024

Upcoming Events
The State of Governance and Rule of Law in Uganda, April 3, 10:00am EDT (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Implementing the Global Fragility Act in Sub-Saharan Africa, April 3, 3:00pm EDT (Howard University)

Building Peace and Resilience in West Africa – a Conversation with ECOWAS Vice President Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, April 4, 9:30am (Georgetown University)

Crossroads of Democracy: A Conversation about Senegal’s Current Political Landscape, April 4, 12:00pm EDT (Georgetown University)

Kenya’s and Zambia’s Relations with China 1949-2019, April 5, 10:30am (Georgetown University)

Leveraging the AfCFTA to Accelerate US Trade and Investment in Africa, April 10, 10:00am EDT (Brookings Institution)

9th Annual AGOA Spring Conference, April 18, 9:00am EDT (AGOA CSO Network)

Africa-U.S. Forum: Africa and Freedom of Expression, April 22, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California, Capital Campus)

News & Analysis
Top Picks
South Africa’s Strong Relationship with the U.S. Can Withstand Disagreements, by Cyril Ramaphosa (The Washington Post)

America Must Act to Prevent a Rwanda-Congo War, by Evan W. Nachtrieb (Foreign Policy)

Continent At-Large
America’s African Balancing Act, by Scott Firsing (The National Interest)

Crafting US Foreign Policy in Light of Africa’s Geopolitical Importance, by Joshua Meservey (Hudson Institute)

Russia Is Creating Havoc in Africa, by Stavros Atlamazoglou (The National Interest)

US Still Has an Edge over Russia in Africa, Says AFRICOM Commander, by Lenin Ndebele (News24)

Pentagon Ignores Law Calling for Report on How It Trained So Many African Coup Leaders, by Nick Turse (The Intercept)

ISIS Still a Threat but More Active in Asia and Africa, Pentagon Says, by Patty Nieberg (Task & Purpose)

The Trouble With “the Global South”: What the West Gets Wrong About the Rest, by Comfort Ero (Foreign Affairs)

Making Africa a Top Priority for Bretton Woods Institutions, by Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou (Atlantic Council)

How Business Builds Bridges Between the U.S. and Africa (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

USAID Launches the Africa Trade Desk through Prosper Africa (U.S. Agency for International Development)

U.S. Department of State Announces Film, Music, and Television Platforms to Strengthen the U.S.-African Creative Economies (U.S. Department of State)

Central Africa/Sudans
US Eyes April 18 to Potentially Resume Sudan Peace Talks in Jeddah, by Nike Ching (Voice of America)

US Pushes for Sudan Talks, by Mathias Hammer (Semafor)

We Can’t Bear to Think About Sudan and Haiti, So We Don’t, by Andreas Kluth (Bloomberg)

East Africa/Horn
Somali Troops Train Alongside U.S. Forces in Justified Accord Military Exercise, by Jeff Schogol (Task & Purpose)

North Africa
Inside the Plan to Send American Diplomats Back to Libya, by Elizabeth Hagedorn (Al-Monitor)

Southern Africa
Pretoria Walks a Tightrope on US Relations, by Peter Fabricius (Institute for Security Studies)

South Africa’s ‘High-Wire’ Act with the US, by Matt Berg & Eric Bazail-Eimil (Politico)

Wall Street Journal Slams SA as Crucial Bill to Review US Relationship Gains Traction, by Ahmed Areff (News24)

US Pledges Additional $22M to Fight Terrorism in Mozambique, by Charles Mangwiro (Voice of America)

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Announces Partnerships for Peace in Northern Mozambique (U.S. Embassy in Mozambique)

Changing the Status Quo in US-Zimbabwe Relations, by Charles A. Ray & Michael Walsh (Orbis)

A Novel Analysis of the Integrated Country Strategies for Malawi and Zimbabwe, by Michael Walsh (Orbis)

West Africa
US Withdrawal from Niger Signals a Shift in Western Influence in the Sahel, by Abigail Kabandula (Foreign Policy Research Institute)

Procurement by Proxy: How Sahelian Juntas Acquire Equipment from Ousted Security Partners, by Nina Wilén (Egmont Institute)

Statement from President Joe Biden Congratulating Bassirou Diomaye Faye as President-elect of Senegal (The White House)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with President-Elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal (U.S. Department of State)

Democracy Decline in West Africa: A Conversation with Policy Actors – Remarks by Ambassador Palmer (U.S. Embassy in Ghana)

Son of Guinea-Bissau’s Ex-President Jailed in US for Trafficking Drugs to Fund Coup, by Gloria Aradi (BBC News)

Recent Events
What Is the Future of U.S.-Africa Trade Policy?, March 27, 2:00pm EDT (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Check out Revitalizing US-Africa Relations with Witney Schneidman (Conversations with Gofaone) & Great Power Competition in Africa: Threat Status with Ambassador Johnnie Carson (Washington Times)

March 26, 2024

Upcoming Events
What Is the Future of U.S.-Africa Trade Policy?, March 27, 2:00pm EDT (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Implementing the Global Fragility Act in Sub-Saharan Africa, April 3, 3:00pm EDT (Howard University)

News & Analysis
Top Picks
The Cost of Paternalism: Sahelian Countries Push Back on the West, by Catherine Nzuki (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

For Sahel Stability, U.S. Needs Broader, Coordinated Policy, by Kris Inman & Matthew Reitman (United States Institute of Peace)

Continent At-Large
U.S. Plans to Build Africa’s Infrastructure Bring Opportunities, Challenges, by Cobus van Staden (United States Institute of Peace)

Why the United States Struggles to Compete With China in Building African Infrastructure: Report, by Barry van Wyk (China Global South Project)

The Sustainability of Developmental Programs by the U.S. and China in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comparison of Effectiveness, by Mandy Dagold & Mitchel Stimers (SN Social Sciences)

As America’s Stake in Africa Fades, Malign Actors Are Filling the Vacuum Amid a Historic Debt Crisis, by M.J. Koch (New York Sun)

Is China Eyeing a Second Military Base in Africa as the US Struggles to Maintain One in Niger?, by Alex Vines, Armida van Rij, Henry Tugendhat (Chatham House)

African Crossroads: US-China Competition in a Continent’s Evolution, by Momina Saleem Baig (Eurasia Review)

US-Led Security Efforts in Africa Face Torrent of Pro-Russia Propaganda, Report Finds, by John Vandiver (Stars and Stripes)

The Gulf State Rivaling China and the US in Africa, by Neil Munshi (Bloomberg)

AFRICOM Commander Testifies Before Congress (AFRICOM)

Achieving Peace, Sahel States Yet to Learn from Mozambique, by Kester Kenn Klomegah (Eurasia Review)

How ‘Democratic’ U.S. Disregards Humanitarian Values, by CGNT (Chinese State Media) (The Citizen Tanzania)

PEPFAR: Looking Back, Looking Ahead, by Mark Green (Wilson Center)

US Top Treasury Official Stresses America’s Ambitions for Africa’s Metal Resources, by Adekunle Agbetiloye (Business Insider)

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Bitter Travels to Nigeria and Ethiopia (U.S. Department of State)

U.S. Chamber’s “Advance with Africa” Event Spurs U.S.-Africa Business Opportunities (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Readout of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s US-Africa Policy Working Group Meeting with Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee (Office of Representative Ilhan Omar)

Central Africa/Sudans
Squeezed by African Coups, Biden Cozies up to the World’s Worst Dictator, by Nick Turse (The Intercept)

US, Allies Urge South Sudan to Ensure Genuine Elections (Reuters)

Joint Statement on South Sudan (U.S. Department of State)

US Slammed Over African Discrimination Against Cameroon Separatists, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Power Africa Opens New Office in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo)

East Africa/Horn
Washington’s “One Somalia” Delusion, by J. Peter Pham (The National Interest)

US-China Scramble for Africa: Why Kenya Is at the Centre of Militarisation of the Horn, by Juma Kwayera (Nation Africa)

Atrocity Survivors in Ethiopia Remain Without Justice (Amnesty International)

North Africa
Egypt Is What Happens When the U.S. Gives Up on Democratization, by Shady ElGhazaly Harb (Foreign Policy)

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Egyptian President El-Sisi (U.S. Department of State)

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry (U.S. Department of State)

Southern Africa
South Africa Joins the Anti-U.S. Axis, by the Editorial Board (The Wall Street Journal)

Bill That Calls for Full Review of US Relations with SA Crosses First Hurdle in US Congress, by Peter Fabricius (Daily Maverick)

South Africa Accuses US Congress of Adding it to a New ‘Axis of Evil’ Over Israel Genocide Case, by Anita Powell (Voice of America)

Ramaphosa Responds to Latest Tensions Between South Africa and the United States (BusinessTech)

SA-US Relationship Built on Mutual Respect and Cooperation (South African Government News Agency)

U.S., Seychelles Conduct Bilateral Maritime Security Engagements (U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa)

West Africa
Responding to Security Threats from the Sahel: What Role for External Security Partnerships in Coastal West African States?, by Folashadé Soulé (Megatrends Afrika)

U.S. Searching for a Way to Keep Troops in Niger, by Eric Schmitt (The New York Times)

U.S. Seeks to Keep Troops in Niger After Key Ally Calls Their Presence Illegal, by Rachel Chason, Dan Lamothe, Michael Birnbaum (The Washington Post)

US Forces Not Yet Being Kicked Out of Niger, Top Defense Official Tells Congress, by Corey Dickstein (Stars and Stripes)

Niger’s Decision to End a US Military Pact Raises New Uncertainty, by Alexis Akwagyiram (Semafor)

US Gets ‘Mixed Signals’ from Niger on Future of US Troops, US General Says (Reuters)

US Holds Out Hope for Partnership with Niger, by Jeff Seldin (Voice of America)

Niger Has Cut Military Ties with the US: Why This Is Bad for the Sahel’s Security, by Olayinka Ajala (The Conversation)

America’s Forfeiture of Niger Emerges as Part of a Pattern Stretching All the Way to Australia, by Aleksandra Gadzala Tirziu (New York Sun)

A U.S. Exit from Niger Would Be No Catastrophe, by Daniel R. Depetris (National Review)

US Fears Russia’s Influence in Africa After Niger Junta Cancels Security Pact, by Robert Tait (The Guardian)

Why the Nigerien Junta Wants to Kick US Troops Out, by Alex Thurston (Responsible Statecraft)

Why Niger Declared US Military Presence in its Territory Illegal, by Pavan Kulkarni (Internationalist 360°)

U.S. Accuses Niger of Iran Uranium Deal (Foundation for the Defense of Democracies)

Russia’s Lies Helped Persuade Niger to Eject US Troops, AFRICOM Says, by Patrick Tucker (DefenseOne)

Did Russia, Iran Provoke Niger Walkout from US Military Pact? (Al-Jazeera)

Nigeria Launches $200 Million Global Philanthropy Push in Silicon Valley, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Recent Events
Are South Africa-U.S. Relations at a Turning Point? A Conversation With Naledi Pandor, March 19, 11:00am EDT (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Sudan’s Vital Humanitarian and Political Situation, March 19, 12:00pm EDT (Georgetown University)

Playing Both Sides or Being Played? Africa in China-U.S. Tech Wars, March 21, 9:00am EDT (Georgetown University)

Africa-U.S. Forum: Africa and the Diaspora, March 25, 9:00am EDT (University of Southern California)

Check out Democratic Renewal in Africa (United States Institute of Peace)

March 19, 2024

Check out Sudan Conflict: US Envoy Tom Perriello Says There’s Political Will to End the War (BBC), Is Niger Giving America the Boot? (The National Security Institute), and Jeremy Garlick on China’s Strategic Advantage in the Global South (The China Global South Podcast)

March 12, 2024

Check out South Africa-US Relations at a Crossroads (New Lines Magazine) & South Sudanese Nationals Face US Illegal Weapon Export Charges (Voice of America)

February 27, 2024

Upcoming Events
Advancing Peaceful and Democratic Transitions in Africa, February 28, 10:00am EST (United States Institute of Peace)

The State of Democracy in Africa, February 29, 9:00am EST (Atlantic Council)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
US Bets on $2.3 Billion African Railway to Help Deliver EV Revolution, by Matthew Hill (Bloomberg)

Continent At-Large
US Increasingly Worried About Kremlin’s Disinfo Operations in Africa, by Joseph Gedeon (Politico)

US-Led Partnership to Develop Atlantic Coast Takes Root in Africa, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Africa’s Coup Calamity: What Happened to Deterrence?, by Claude Lambert (War on the Rocks)

How Will US Move to Pause New LNG Exports Impact Africa?, by Harry Clynch (African Business)

Terrorism a Continuing Threat, Particularly in Africa (Voice of America)

Twenty-Third Cohort of Young African Leaders Receives U.S. Government Support (United States Agency for International Development)

Central Africa/Sudans
Dirty Money Is Destroying Sudan: How America Can Stop Money Launderers From Funding Africa’s Worst Civil War, by John Prendergast (Foreign Affairs)

Online Briefing with Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; Michael Hammer, Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa; and John Godfrey, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Sudan (U.S. Department of State)

Condemning the Obstruction of Humanitarian Assistance and Closing of Civic Space in Sudan (U.S. Department of State)

Announcement of a Special Envoy for Sudan (U.S. Department of State)

US Names Tom Perriello New Special Envoy to Sudan in Push to End War, by Mawahib Abdallatif (The East African)

The United States Tells Rwanda and Congo They Must ‘Walk Back from the Brink of War’, by Edith M. Lederer (Associated Press)

US Ambassador Meets With Gabon Coup Leader, by Moki Edwin Kindzeka (Voice of America)

It Is Not the End of AGOA for Uganda, Says Ambassador Kakonge, by Isaac Mufumba (Monitor Uganda)

US and Russia Clash at UN Security Council Over Bangui’s Overflight Ban (Africa Intelligence)

East Africa/Horn
Phee’s Folly: Why Is the US Building Bases for a Chinese Ally?, by Michael Rubin (Washington Examiner)

Al-Shabab Reports Cuban Hostages Killed by US Airstrikes, by Harun Maruf (Voice of America)

US Assessing Whether Air Strike Against al-Shabaab in Somalia Killed Two Cuban Doctors Held by Group, by Oren Liebermann & Hamdi Alkhshali (CNN)

AFRICOM Responds to Somali Militants’ Claim that US Strike Killed Civilian Hostages, by John Vandiver (Stars and Stripes)

What the Ethiopia-Somaliland Deal Means for Washington’s Strategy in the Red Sea, by Maxwell Webb (Atlantic Council)

If the State Department Wants to Scuttle the Somaliland-Ethiopia Deal, Recognize Somaliland, by Michael Rubin (AEIdeas)

Ruto’s US State Visit Needs to Navigate America’s Uncertain Political Future, by Declan Galvin (The Kenyan Wall Street)

US-Led Kenya Exercise Represents Novel Mission for Group of Somali Soldiers, by Brian Erickson (Stars and Stripes)

North Africa
AFRICOM Commander Visits Morocco (AFRICOM)

Morocco, ‘Beacon of Security & Cooperation in the Region’ – US AFRICOM Commander (North Africa Post)

Southern Africa
A New Effort to Punish South Africa Is a Terrible Look for Democrats, by Karen Attiah (The Washington Post)

President Ramaphosa Meets with US Congressional Delegation (Presidency of South Africa)

Unveiling a Dictatorship — Angola’s New Security Law, by Paula Cristina Roque & David Boio (Daily Maverick)

West Africa
For Peace in Sahel, African and U.S. Experts Urge Focused Partnership, by Katia Cavigelli & James Rupert (United States Institute of Peace)

U.S. Struggles for Influence in West Africa as Military Juntas Rise, by Rachel Chason & Michael Birnbaum (The Washington Post)

Benin Offers 2,000 Troops to Haiti Force, US Ambassador Says (Reuters)

Recent Events
China in the Global South: Development and Influence in a Shifting Global Order, February 21, 9:00am EST (Atlantic Council)

Peace, Security and Prosperity in the Sahel, February 21, 9:30am EST (United States Institute of Peace)

Africa-U.S. Forum: African Agency and Global Powers, February 26, 9:00am EST (University of Southern California)

Security in the Horn of Africa: A Discussion with Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, February 26, 9:00am EST (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Check out Thomas Sheehy on U.S. Investment in Africa’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure (United States Institute of Peace) & Russian Disinformation Targets US and Western Allies (Voice of America)

February 20, 2024

Upcoming Events
Peace, Security and Prosperity in the Sahel, February 21, 9:30am EST (United States Institute of Peace)

Africa-U.S. Forum: African Agency and Global Powers, February 26, 9:00am EST (University of Southern California)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
US Government’s $300 Million for West Africa — How to Make it Count, by Will Meeker & Patrick Quirk (Just Security)

Continent At-Large
Trust Deficit: Historical Obstacles Hamper U.S. Relations in Africa, by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Assisting Africa’s Security and Development Needs Does Not Have to Be a Football Match, by Andrey Kortunov (Modern Diplomacy)

Strategic Minerals Geopolitics in Africa: Unraveling Great Power Competition, by Ayesha Abrar (Modern Diplomacy)

The United States Deeply Committed to Africa Trade, by Julie LeBlanc (B&FT Online)

Central Africa/Sudans
Rwanda Rejects US Calls for Withdrawal of Missiles and Troops from Eastern Congo, by Rodney Muhumuza (Associated Press)

Escalation of Hostilities in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (U.S. Department of State)

McCaul, Meeks Statement on Conflict in Eastern DRC (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

What Next for Equatorial Guinea After Oil?, by Ken Opalo (An Africanist Perspective)

East Africa/Horn
United States Lacks Strategic Clarity on the Horn of Africa, by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations)

US to Build 5 New Military Bases for Somali Army, Which Faces a Rebellion by an Extremist Group, by Omar Faruk (Associated Press)

Somali, U.S. Forces Engage Insurgents in Support of the Federal Government of Somalia (AFRICOM)

Assistant Secretary Phee’s Travel to Somalia (U.S. Department of State)

Biden to Welcome Kenyan President to the White House in May (Associated Press)

Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the State Visit of President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto of Kenya (The White House)

Recognize Somaliland as an Independent Nation, by Eliot Wilson (The Hill)

North Africa
US Envoy to Visit Egypt, Israel for Hostage Talks, Official Says (Reuters)

U.S. – Tunisian Leaders Meet to Foster Bilateral Security Cooperation (U.S. Embassy in Tunisia)

Southern Africa
US Lawmakers Warn South Africa Over Hamas Ties, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

SA in US Headlights with Foreign Policy, by Steven Gruzd (South African Jewish Report)

Could the US and Other States Be Implicated in South Africa’s Genocide Case Against Israel?, by Celeste Kmiotek (Atlantic Council)

The Lobito Corridor: Building Africa’s Most Important Railway, by Ellington Arnold (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

U.S. Navy Leaders Visit Madagascar for Women, Peace and Security, Bilateral Engagements (U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa)

West Africa
West Africa Continues Slide Toward Instability, by Alex Thurston (Responsible Statecraft)

As Senate Considers New Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Human Rights Focus Would Strengthen US Policy, by Ousmane Diallo & Kate Hixon (Just Security)

On Senegal’s Constitutional Court Decision (U.S. Department of State)

US Urges Senegalese President Sall to Restore Senegal’s Electoral Calendar (Reuters)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Senegalese President Sall (U.S. Department of State)

Sacked Twitter Staff in Ghana Finally Get Pay-Off, by Nkechi Ogbonna (BBC)

Recent Events
Senegal’s Suspended Elections, Coups, and Jihadi Militancy in West Africa, February 13, 10:00am EST (Brookings Institution)

The Future of Freedom in Nigeria, February 14, 2:00pm EST (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

Check out The Problem With US Security Assistance to Africa (American Prestige)

February 13, 2024

Africa Year in Review: A Look at US-Africa Relations in 2024, February 8, 10:00am EST (Wilson Center)

February 6, 2024

Upcoming Events
Africa Year in Review: A Look at US-Africa Relations in 2024, February 8, 10:00am EST (Wilson Center)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Africa: Year in Review 2023 (Wilson Center)

Continent At-Large
US Touts Alternatives to Russia’s Wagner for Security in Africa, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

What Trump’s Reelection Could Mean for Africa, by Martina Schwikowski (DW)

Africa Should Beware the Second Coming of Trump’s Terrifying World, by David Monyae (Sunday Times)

Blinken’s Visit to Africa – Is U.S. Counterterrorism Counterproductive?, by Promise Eze (allAfrica)

Blinken Trip to Africa – America’s Impotence in the Post-Hegemonic World, by Daniel Volman (African Security Research Project)

Upcoming Digital Press Briefing on the 2024 Investing in Africa Mining Indaba Conference (U.S. Department of State)

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on the Power of Democracy and the Future of Peacekeeping After the AU Financing Security Council Resolution (United States Mission to the United Nations)

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s Interview with Haydé Adams of VOA’s Straight Talk Africa (United States Mission to the United Nations)

EPA Administrator Regan Wraps up Successful Mission to Africa, Reaffirms Commitment to Partnerships in Mozambique and Ghana (Environmental Protection Agency)

Central Africa/Sudans
US to Appoint Tom Perriello as Special Envoy to Sudan, by Colum Lynch (Devex)

US Imposes Sanctions on Three Sudanese Companies Tied to the Warring Parties, by Jack Jeffery (Associated Press)

US Offers Reward for Escaped Sudan Official Wanted on Darfur (Agence France Presse)

State Department Declares “Ethnic Cleansing” in Sudan But Won’t Say the Same about Israel’s War in Gaza, by Ryan Grim & Nick Turse (The Intercept)

CAR: Russia’s Wagner and US Security Firms in Tussle for Muscle, by Mathieu Olivier & Vincent Duhem (The Africa Report)

Congo Can’t Thrive Without Dismantling its Kleptocracy, by Damon Wilson (The Hill)

East Africa/Horn
Kenya’s Mudavadi Talks Trade with Blinken, with Eye on Haiti, by Luke Anami (The East African)

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Mudavadi (U.S. Department of State)

Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi Before Their Meeting (U.S. Department of State)

Inside Duale’s Strategic Four Day Mission in the US, by Cyrus Ombati (The Star)

Secretary Blinken’s Call with former Kenyan President Kenyatta (U.S. Department of State)

US Donates $1.3M in Military Equipment to Kenya, by Joe Saballa (The Defense Post)

USAFRICOM’s Ambassador Scott Visits Tanzania to Meet Leaders, Talk Maritime Security (AFRICOM)

Does Ethiopia Face a Western Backlash as a Result of Joining BRICS?, by David Whitehouse (The Africa Report)

The US Refuses to Even Apologize for Killing Civilians, by Nick Turse (Jacobin)

North Africa
Blinken to Meet Egypt’s Sisi on Gaza Hostage Deal, by Humeyra Pamuk (Reuters)

Southern Africa
U.S. Special Operations Command Africa Partners with International and Malawian Forces to Support U.N. Operations in Africa (U.S. Army)

Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to South Africa (U.S. Department of State)

West Africa
Liberia Shows a Path Toward Democracy in West Africa, by Matthew Reitman & Katie Todd (United States Institute of Peace)

Liberia’s New President Is Doing the Right Thing. Washington Should Help Him., by Michael Rubin (AEIdeas)

Recent Events
Frontline Civilian Response in Sudan, January 31, 2:00pm EST (United States Institute of Peace)

The Future of Peacekeeping and the Increasing Role of Private Military Companies in Africa, January 31, 2:00pm EST (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

Check out Joseph Sany on Secretary Blinken’s Africa Tour (United States Institute of Peace) and Is the US Gambling with Africa? (World of Africa)

January 30, 2024

January 23, 2024

January 9, 2024

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Congo’s President Has Been Re-Elected. His Climate Policy Will Have Global Significance., by Alexandra Wexler (The Wall Street Journal)

Continent At-Large
US State Department: Who’s Who in Molly Phee’s Africa Team, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

African Migration to the U.S. Soars as Europe Cracks Down, by Miriam Jordan (The New York Times)

Asylum Seekers Faced Severe Abuse in ICE Detention Under Trump, Suit Says, by Osei Owusu Amankwaah & Justin Wm. Moyer (The Washington Post)

The Signal in the Noise: The 2023 Threats and Those on the Horizon, by Austin Doctor (Lawfare)

Central Africa/Sudans
How Many More Must Suffer in DRC Before the West Stops Enabling Tshisekedi?, by Vava Tampa (The Guardian)

US Expresses Concern After Burundi President Says Gay People Should Be Stoned (Reuters)

US Slams Burundi’s President Over ‘Public Stoning of Gay Couples’ Comment (Radio France Internationale)

On the Human Rights Situation in Burundi (U.S. Department of State)

CAR in Talks with US Security Firm as West Eyes Wagner’s Ground in Africa, by Melissa Chemam (Radio France Internationale)

Between Wagner and Bancroft, Touadéra’s Tricky Security Situation (Africa Intelligence)

Religious Freedom, Along with Everything Else, Is Unraveling in Sudan, by Kelsey Zorzi (The Hill)

East Africa/Horn
U.S. Should Endorse Somaliland’s Independence, by Michael Rubin (Middle East Forum)

Kenya-US Trade Talks to Resume in February, by Luke Anami (Business Daily)

North Africa
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Algerian Foreign Minister Attaf (U.S. Department of State)

Southern Africa
US Condemns South Africa’s ‘Meritless’ Genocide Case Against Israel (Agence France Presse)

U.S. Rejects ‘Meritless’ South Africa ICJ Case Against Israel (Foundation for the Defense of Democracies)

Zimbabwe as a Growth Hub for Southern Africa, by Michael Walsh & Charles A. Ray (Foreign Policy Research Institute)

Brainstorming Diplomatic Options for Advancing U.S. National Security and Foreign Policy Interests in Zimbabwe, by Michael Walsh (The Democracy-Security Paradox)

West Africa
U.S. Seeks Drone Bases in Coastal West Africa to Stem Islamist Advance, by Michael M. Phillips (The Wall Street Journal)

After Niger Coup, U.S. Scrambles to Keep a Vital Air Base, by Elian Peltier & Eric Schmitt (The New York Times)

Biden Administration Responds to the Collapse of U.S. Counterterrorism Strategy in Niger, by Daniel Volman (allAfrica)

U.S. Security Strategy in West Africa (World Politics Review)

Scramble for the Sahel – Why France, Russia, China and the United States Are Interested in the Region, by Olayinka Ajala (The Conversation)

January 1st, 2024

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Congress Deems Africa Staffing Shortages a National Security Issue, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Continent At-Large
Why Biden Didn’t Visit Africa in 2023, by Yinka Adegoke (Semafor)

State Department’s Africa Bureau Undermines Efforts to Counter Houthis, by Michael Rubin (AEIdeas)

Biden’s Energy Plan Means Lights Out for Africa, by Mario Díaz-Balart & Michael McCaul (New York Post)

Enough Space for Everyone? US, China Target Africa, by Kate Bartlett (Voice of America)

China Shows the US How to Woo Africa, by Emmanuel Matambo & David Monyae (TimesLive)

Clashing Geopolitical Railways: China’s Belt And Road Initiative And US Effort To Redefine African Infrastructure, by Syed Raiyan Amir (Eurasia Review)

Russia’s Growing Footprint in Africa, by Mariel Ferragamo (Council on Foreign Relations)

UK Forces Have Taken Part in US AFRICOM Operations for Decades: Report (Al Mayadeen)

Meet Kendra Gaither, New Africa Head at Key US Lobbying Group, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

547 New Deals Valued at $14.2 Billion in U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment (Modern Diplomacy)

Central Africa/Sudans
Washington Tries to Correct Course on Sudan’s Civil War, by Robbie Gramer (Foreign Policy)

A Tragedy of Disregard, by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations)

US Lawmakers Blame Abu Dhabi Over Sudan War, by Aggrey Mutambo (The East African)

Cardin, Risch Announce Joint, Bipartisan Congressional Resolution Calling for a Special Envoy to Sudan (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

US Renews Call for DR Congo Transparency as Voting Extended (Agence France Presse)

US Turns Tables on Putin in Africa PMC Powerplay, by Brendan Cole (Newsweek)

East Africa/Horn
Somalia Says U.S. Drone Strike Killed Mastermind of Attack on Americans, by Katharine Houreld (The Washington Post)

Strike in Somalia Said to Kill Mastermind of Attacks on Americans and Kenyans, by Abdi Latif Dahir & Eric Schmitt (The New York Times)

US-Somali Operation Kills a Top Al-Shabab Commander, by Harun Maruf (Voice of America)

Joint Letter to Secretary Austin Urging Pentagon to Make Amends for Civilian Harm in Somalia (Human Rights Watch)

As 2023 Comes to a Close, US-Tanzania Ties Are Stronger Than Ever, by Michael Battle (The Citizen)

MCC Returns to Tanzania After 7-Year Absence, by Apolinari Tairo (The East African)

Ethiopia in Troubled Waters, by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations)

USAID Announces Funding to Respond to Catastrophic Floods in Kenya (U.S. Agency for International Development)

North Africa
What Does Biden’s ‘Mr Sahara’ Want?, by Fadwa Islah (The Africa Report)

U.S. Maintains Unchanged Stance on the Moroccan Sahara: Denial of Allegations and Highlighting Geopolitical Tensions with Iran (North Africa Post)

Southern Africa
South Africa in the Emerging World Order, by Christopher S. Chivvis, Zainab Usman, Beatrix Geaghan-Breiner (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

West Africa
How Western Powers are Failing West Africa – and Why the Future is Grim, by Pablo Molina Asensi (The International Affairs Review)

Constitutional Referendum in Chad (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
After the Coup d’état, What Comes Next? A Conversation With Niger’s Prime Minister, December 19, 2:00pm EST (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Check out Between China and the U.S., Africa Doesn’t Want to Choose (China Global South Project)

December 11th, 2023

Upcoming Events
AfriNEXT: A Celebration of African Creativity and Innovation, December 12, 9:00am EST (Atlantic Council)

Beyond the SCIF: A Conversation with Reps. Austin Scott and Jimmy Panetta on Great-Power Competition in Africa, December 12, 12:00pm EST (American Enterprise Institute)

Rewiring the U.S.-Africa Tech Landscape: An Annual Review of the Digital Transformation With Africa Initiative, December 12, 2:00pm EST (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Assessing the DRC’s High-Stakes Presidential Elections Amid Uncertainty, December 18, 10:00am EST (Brookings Institution)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
The Crisis of African Democracy: Coups Are a Symptom—Not the Cause—of Political Dysfunction, by Comfort Ero & Murithi Mutiga (Foreign Affairs)

Continent At-Large
If the U.S. Really Wants to Compete With China in Africa, Then It Needs to Keep Its Promises, by Eric Olander (China Global South Project)

America Is Failing Africa by Not Taking COP28 Seriously, by Adboulie Ceesay (Euronews)

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Unveils White Paper on Empowering African Smallholder Farmers (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Defeating Terrorist Groups in Africa Is Focus of Conference Hosted by US Special Operators, by John Vandiver (Stars and Stripes)

Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President pro tempore of the Senate regarding the War Powers Report (The White House)

U.S. Space Force Activates New Unit to Support Operations in Europe and Africa, by Sandra Erwin (SpaceNews)

Central Africa/Sudans
War Crimes, Crimes Against Humanity, and Ethnic Cleansing Determination in Sudan (U.S. Department of State)

US Declares Warring Parties in Sudan Committed War Crimes, by Daphne Psaledakis, Humeyra Pamuk, Nafisa Eltahir (Reuters)

Sudan: Action is Key After US Atrocity Determination (Human Rights Watch)

Welcoming the Outcomes of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s Extraordinary Summit Toward Ending the Conflict in Sudan (U.S. Department of State)

US-Uganda: Museveni Dispatches Son-in-Law to Salvage AGOA Duty-Free Benefits, by Julian Pecquet (The Africa Report)

Ceasefire Agreed in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Conflict, US Says (Reuters)

East Africa/Horn
Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Hammer Travels to Djibouti, Qatar, and Ethiopia (U.S. Department of State)

North Africa
Attack in Western Sahara Complicates US Regional Strategy, by Michael Walsh (Foreign Policy Research Institute)

Duelling Western Sahara Commentaries Expose Washington Media Swamp Things, by Mike Walsh (Mail & Guardian)

Southern Africa
The U.S. Strategic Bet on Angola Pays Off—and Vice Versa, by J. Peter Pham (The National Interest)

De-Risking, The Lobito Corridor, and the United States’ Approach to African Development, by Aaron Dorshow (Georgetown Security Studies Review)

US Makes US $2 Billion Commitment to Angola as Oil-Rich Nation Eyes Move Beyond Chinese Funding Model, by Jevans Nyabiage (South China Morning Post)

US Makes US $2 Billion Commitment to Angola (Modern Diplomacy)

China-Angola Meeting As Luanda Navigates Great Power Competition, by Cobus van Staden (China Global South Project)

Visa Restriction Policy for Undermining Democracy in Zimbabwe (U.S. Department of State)

West Africa
Western Failures, Military Coups, and Kremlin Gains Undermine US Geostrategic and Counterterrorism Interests in the Sahel, by Liam Karr (Critical Threats Project)

DOD Seeks to Quell Violent Extremism in Africa’s Sahel Region, by David Vergun (U.S. Department of Defense)

US and Niger Security Relations: Pragmatic?, by Joseph Balodis (Grey Dynamics)

Assistant Secretary Phee’s Travel to Nigeria (U.S. Department of State)

Recent Events
The Sahel in Crisis: Examining U.S. Policy Options, December 5, 2:00pm EST (House Foreign Affairs Committee)

December 4th, 2023

Upcoming Events
AfriNEXT: A Celebration of African Creativity and Innovation, December 12, 9:00am EST (Atlantic Council)

News & Analysis
Top Pick
Biden Hosts Angola’s President, Seeking to Strengthen Africa Ties, by Erica L. Green (The New York Times)

Continent At-Large
Biden’s Unfilled Vow to Visit Africa Renews Fears of Neglect, by Akayla Gardner (Bloomberg)

For Peace in the Sahel, Can the U.S. Work with Algeria?, by Thomas M. Hill (United States Institute of Peace)

How Renewing a Bush Era Program for Africa Will Help Us Fend off Russia and China, Boost National Security, by David Bernstein (Fox News)

AGOA Must Be Extended to Boost US-Africa Trade Relationships, by David Luke (The Standard)

AGOA Isn’t the Political Leverage Washington Thinks It Is, by Ovigwe Eguegu (Ventures Africa)

Joint Statement on the United States and Africa CDC’s New Joint Action Plan (U.S. Department of State)

Central Africa/Sudans
Discourse Check: How China Frames Its Involvement in DRC Mining, by Cobus van Staden (China Global South Project)

Designation of Individuals Linked to the Conflict in Sudan (U.S. Department of State)

U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Three Sudanese Figures with Ties to Former Leader Omar al-Bashir, by Jack Jeffery (Associated Press)

Taking Steps to Impose Visa Restrictions for Undermining Democracy and for Repression in Uganda U.S. Department of State)

East Africa/Horn
The Kosovo Conditions And The Case For American Unilateral Recognition Of Somaliland, by Oliver McPherson-Smith & Jendayi Frazer (Hoover Institution)

AFRICOM, Djibouti Leaders Continue to Strengthen Ties (DVIDS)

North Africa
Western Sahara: Does Biden Fully Understand the Polisario Front?, by Michael Walsh (The Democracy-Security Paradox)

Southern Africa
Biden Hosts the Angolan President in an Effort to Showcase Strengthened Ties as Africa Visit Slips, by Zeke Miller & Aamer Madhani (Associated Press)

Biden Hosts Angola’s Leader for Talks of Rail Corridor, Energy Security, by Anita Powell (Voice of America)

Biden’s Plans to Counter