By Abolaji Omitogun

June 14, 2023

WASHINGTON — Senior U.S. government officials underlined Africa’s strategic importance to the United States, emphasizing mutual respect, partnership, and a commitment to the continent in a recent briefing held by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs. The panelists included the Assistant Secretary Molly Phee, the National Security Council Senior Director for African Affairs Judd Devermont, and the Special Presidential Representative for U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Implementation Ambassador Johnnie Carson.

“The United States recognizes Africa’s global rise and the need to have it at the table for important decisions,” Ambassador Carson stated in his concluding remarks, stressing the importance of partnership in implementing better global cooperation.

Pivoting from the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit held six months prior, Devermont pointed out that they have been delivering on the President’s commitments and continue to show an investment and engagement in Africa. The summit aimed to foster closer ties between the U.S. and African nations, promoting shared prosperity and security.

However, the road to implementation has not been without its challenges. Recognizing the hurdles in implementing the initiatives and ideas discussed at the summit, Devermont mentioned that these challenges provided important lessons about the need for increased communication and dialogue. “We have to go beyond the Beltway to talk about the summit, to talk about U.S. Africa policy,” he said, suggesting that an inclusive approach is vital to the partnership’s success.

Assistant Secretary Phee further highlighted the need for better communication, arguing that this is key to increasing the visibility and tangible impact of America’s commitment to Africa. She referred to several key initiatives, such as PEPFAR, the Malaria Initiative, Power Africa, Feed the Future, and the newly minted Digital Transformation with Africa Initiative, all aimed at improving living standards and opportunities in Africa.

The discussion took a geopolitical turn when Peter Fabricius of the Daily Maverick asked about a recent letter from U.S. congressmen, pressing the Biden administration to reconsider South Africa’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The request followed an incident where a U.S.-Russian cargo ship was alleged to have uploaded arms for Russia in Simon’s Town, South Africa.

Both Devermont and Phee handled the question diplomatically, pointing out the ongoing investigation by South Africa and emphasizing respect for the nation’s policy of nonalignment. “It’s our expectation that the South African Government will adhere to that policy when dealing with this terrible conflict in Europe,” Phee said.

Ambassador Johnnie Carson outlined the rigorous selection process for the U.S. Diaspora Engagement Council during the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs briefing. Over two dozen organizations representing the black community and diaspora were consulted, along with mainstream and non-governmental organizations. Out of approximately 95 recommendations, a selection embodying a diverse range of diaspora communities was forwarded to the White House for final approval. The intent was to ensure diversity within the Council, specifically including younger, first and second-generation diaspora from various African nations. The final decision on the Council’s composition will be announced by the White House.

The panelists finished with a strong affirmation of their commitment to the continent, with Phee stating that “there is no doubt that Africa is a strategic partner to the United States.” She further added that the implementation of the Africa Leaders Summit aimed to institutionalize the relationship to match Africa’s strategic importance.

As the briefing concluded, the message was clear: the U.S. recognizes the importance of Africa on the global stage and is keen to continue building a meaningful and productive relationship with the continent.