US Imposes New Sanctions on Perpetrators of Violence in Sudan

 Reuters published on 1 June 2023 an article titled "US Imposing Sanctions Against Those Perpetrating Violence in Sudan" by Daphne Psaledakis and Nafisa Eltahir.

The US Treasury Department announced sanctions on two companies affiliated with Sudan's army and two companies affiliated with the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.  This action follows visa restrictions on Sudanese individuals associated with the Sudan Armed Forces, Rapid Support Forces, and the former Omar al-Bashir government.  

The US Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control published on 1 June 2023 a formal statement of Sudan sanctions called "Counter Terrorism Designations; Sudan Designations; Russia-related Designation Removal; Issuance of Sudan Licenses."  It identifies the legal names of the sanctioned Sudanese companies and, where available, provides websites.  

Chinese and Russian Influence in Africa

 Africa News published on 15 March 2023 an article titled "Africa Facing Chinese and Russian Influence."

The article makes the point that China is increasing its influence in Africa by financing large infrastructure projects while Russia relies on arms sales and mining projects managed by the mercenary Wagner Group.  Both approaches come with downsides.  

Ukraine War Turns Africa into Battleground for Great Power Competition

 The South China Morning Post published on 26 February 2023 an article titled "How Ukraine War Has Turned Africa into a Geopolitical Battleground for China, Russia and US" by Jevans Nyabiage.

Tension between China and Russia on the one side and the United States and West generally on the other is playing out in Africa because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.  

Smarter US Competition with China in Africa

 World Politics Review published on 8 February 2023 a commentary titled "To Compete with China the U.S. Must Take Africans Seriously" by Chris Olaoluwa Ogunmodede.

The author argues that "African leaders remain wary of grand pledges and empty rhetoric unmatched by concrete follow-through, as well as the arrogant paternalism that typically characterizes Washington's engagement with these countries."  But the author adds that China is no less prone than the United States to making mistakes in its interaction with Africans.  Nevertheless, Beijing's core arguments resonate better by default.  

Japan's model of cooperation with Africans may be the best one to emulate.  Washington could start by being a better listener with its African interlocutors.  

Zambia, China, and Debt Relief

 Axios published on 31 January 2023 an article titled "China's First African Debt Rodeo Is Playing Out in Zambia" by Hans Nichols.

Zambia defaulted on its external debt.  China is the single largest holder of Zambia's debt, which puts unusually high pressure on Beijing to help ameliorate the problem.

Chinese, American, and Russian Officials Descend on Africa

 India's Observer Research Foundation published on 1 February 2023 an article titled "China, the US, and Russia Go On a Diplomatic Charm Offensive in Africa" by Abhishek Mishra.

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and UN ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov crisscrossed Africa in January.

Results of Treasury Secretary Yellen's Trip to Africa

 The US Institute of Peace published on 1 February 2023 a commentary titled "Four Takeaways from Treasury Secretary Yellen's Trip to Africa" by Edward A. Burrier.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's 10-day trip to Senegal, Zambia, and South Africa resulted in the following 4 takeaways:

--Because of its young population, the United States recognizes that "Africa will shape the trajectory of the world economy over the next century."

--Zambia's debt crisis has far-reaching implications and China is a "barrier" to resolving it.

--Energy transitions in countries like South Africa, which use considerable coal, will be challenged by vested political interests.

--Ending Russia's war on Ukraine is the single best way to help Africa's economies.  

South African "Neutrality" on Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Wearing Thin

 The South African Institute of International Affairs posted on 30 January 2023 a commentary titled "SA Adamant It Is Agnostic on Russia-Ukraine War But Its Behaviour Reveals Otherwise" by Steven Gruzd.

South Africa's declaration of neutrality on Russia's invasion of Ukraine is wearing thin and its upcoming participation in a naval exercise off South Africa with Russia and China on the first anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine sends the wrong signal.  

US Expresses Concern over South Africa's Naval Exercise with Russia and China

 CBS News published on 25 January 2023 a story titled "U.S. 'Concerned' as South Africa to Hold War Games with Russia, China on Ukraine Invasion Anniversary" by Sarah Carter.  

The United States has expressed concern over the South Africa/Russia/China naval exercise from 17-27 February in South African waters on the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.  U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen arrived in South Africa this week to discuss trade, energy, and health issues.