Trump Administration: Africa, Security, and China

The Hill published on 19 March 2018 an article titled "Trump's Africa Policy Takes Form with Focus on Security (and China)" by Landry Signe, fellow at Brookings Institution, and Nathaniel D.F. Allen, fellow at the US Institute of Peace.

The article concludes that Trump's efforts to refocus US policy in Africa in a direction that is more realpolitik is not a huge departure from previous Republican administrations. Yet by prioritizing security and cutting back on aid and trade, the US may weaken its long-term strategic position in Africa.

Secretary Tillerson Visit to Africa Followed by Firing

The BBC Radio World Service asked me to comment on 13 March 2018 on Secretary of State Tillerson's visit to Africa followed by his abrupt firing by President Trump.

China-Africa Statistics and the Tillerson Visit to Africa

The China-Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies recently posted updated background papers on China-Africa relations intended to complement the visit to Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Chad and Nigeria by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

The first paper is titled "The United States and China in Africa: What Does [sic] the Data Say? 2016 Updates." The second is "China in East Africa and the Horn: Ports, Trains and Industrial Zones." The third is "China in West and Central Africa: Railways and Refineries."

Trump Administration Africa Policy

The Council on Foreign Relations posted on 7 March 2018 a commentary titled "Trump's Policy Taking Shape with Tillerson's Trip" by John Campbell.

In view of the previous problems in the Trump administration's handling of Africa, the author concluded that the most important aspect of Secretary of State Tillerson's Africa trip is that it is happening at all.

Trump's Dangerous Retreat from Africa

Foreign Policy published on 3 November 2017 a commentary titled "Trump's Dangerous Retreat from Africa" by John Campbell, Council on Foreign Relations and former US ambassador to Nigeria.

Campbell concluded that so far under Trump, U.S. foreign engagement is declining with respect to Africa. Trump's disinterest in Africa appears to be shared by many in his cabinet, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. China and India have already begun to fill the void by steadily increasing their political and economic activity, as have Turkey, the Gulf States and Iran.

Ambassador Haley Becomes US Spokesperson for Africa

The Washington Post published on 29 October 2017 an article titled "Africa Trip Illustrates Haley's Trusted, Unusually Direct Relationship with Trump" by Anne Gearan.

Following her recent visit to Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the article suggests that US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, is becoming the "go to" spokesperson for things African.

Secretary Tillerson Takes Charge at the State Department

The Voice of America ran a story on 2 February 2017 titled "Tillerson Tells Diplomats Personal Opinions Should Not Impede Mission" by Steve Herman and Nike Ching.

The article reports Tillerson's remarks to State Department Foreign Service and Civil Service personnel on his first day and includes comments from retired officers, myself included.