How To Have a Successful US Horn of Africa Envoy

 Just Security published on 20 April 2022 a commentary titled "How to Fix the Broken Position of U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa" by Cameron Hudson, Atlantic Council.

Two U.S. special envoys for the Horn of Africa--Jeffrey Feltman and David Satterfield--have come and gone over the course of a year.  The Biden administration needs a strategy that takes into account all of the Horn's crises and lays out a clear mandate for the special envoy, who also has the full backing of the National Security Council.  

David Satterfield Resignation: Silence is Golden?

 The Christian Science Monitor published an editorial on 19 April 2022 titled "Hold-thy-tongue Diplomacy in Ethiopia."

David Satterfield's unexplained resignation after three months as special envoy for the Horn of Africa may yet bolster the resolve of Ethiopia's warring parties to uphold their humanitarian commitments.  Eloquent silence may speak truth into a troubled land.

US Horn of Africa Envoy Resigning

 Foreign Policy published on 12 April 2022 an article titled "U.S. Envoy for East Africa to Call It Quits" by Robbie Gramer and Colum Lynch.

David Satterfield, appointed in January 2022 as the US special envoy for the Horn of Africa, is expected to resign and be replaced on an interim basis by his deputy, Payton Knopf.  There was no explanation for his brief tenure in the position.  

Independent Analysis of Situation in Sudan

 Fanack, an independent online media organization in the Netherlands, published on 28 January 2022 a commentary titled "Sudanese Crisis: Foreign Interests and Agendas."

This is a recent analysis of the complex situation in Sudan from the standpoint of an independent group that specializes in North Africa and the Middle East.

Door for Negotiations in Ethiopia Opens a Crack

 The Associated Press published on 26 January 2022 an article titled "Diaspora Group: Ethiopia PM Open to Talks with Tigray Forces" by Cara Anna.  

Following a private meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee said Abiy is open to negotiations with Tigray forces.  

US Continues Withholding Aid to Sudan

 The Associated Press published on 20 January 2022 an article titled "US Says It Will Not Resume Sudan Aid after Recent Violence."

US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, David Satterfield, and US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, recently visited Khartoum.  They explained the United States will continue withholding aid from Sudan until the country's military rulers stop the killing of civilian protesters and a civilian-led government takes power.  

Reuters covered that same topic on 20 January 2022 in an article titled "Sudan Council Agrees with U.S. on Amending Democracy Transition Document."

Conflicting Signals on Ethiopian Peace Prospects

 The Council on Foreign Relations posted on 10 January 2022 a commentary titled "Ethiopia Conflict Dynamics Shift as New U.S. Envoy Takes Over" by Michelle Gavin.  

Recent developments in Ethiopia concerning the civil conflict suggest the possibility of a way forward to achieve a sustainable peace but, at the same time, there are negative developments that threaten to interrupt any progress.  

China and US in Africa: No Need to Choose

 The Hill published on 7 January 2022 an article titled "State: China's Push for Diplomacy in Africa Provides 'Choices' for Countries" by Laura Kelly.

The State Department press spokesperson recently commented that we don't ask our African partners to choose between the US and any other country, including China.  What we seek is not to make Africans choose but to give them choices.  

China Follows US with Special Envoy for Horn of Africa

 Reuters published on 6 January 2022 an article titled "China Plans Peace Envoy for Conflict-riven Horn of Africa" by Duncan Miriri.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on a visit to Kenya announced that China plans to appoint a special envoy of the Chinese foreign ministry for the Horn of Africa.  

Comment: The United States did this nine months ago when it named Jeffrey Feltman as its special envoy for the Horn of Africa.  Feltman is stepping down and being replaced by former US ambassador to Turkey, David Satterfield.  China's appointment of a special envoy is surprising as China has been careful to avoid engaging in on-going conflicts in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia.  The announcement raises the question whether this signals more involvement by China in efforts to solve these disputes.

US and Europe Warn Sudan's Military

 ABC News published on 5 January 2022 an article titled "US, Europe Warn Sudan's Military as Democratic Transition Unravels" by Conor Finnegan and Morgan Winsor.

As street protests continue in Sudan, the United States and Europe are taking a strong stand against efforts by the military to thwart the democratic transition.   

US Horn of Africa Envoy Leaving Post

 Reuters published on 5 January 2022 an article titled "U.S. Special Envoy for Horn of Africa to Leave Post" by Humeyra Pamuk.

U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman, is stepping down this month after 9 months in the position and will be replaced by David Satterfield, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Turkey.  Feltman took the position with the intention to serve for less than a year.  He has faced twin crises in Ethiopia and Sudan.  Satterfield, a career Foreign Service Officer, has significant Middle East experience, but not in the Horn of Africa.