Trying to resolve a problem
New actions for the Bureau of African Affairs
What a difference a year makes. It was a year ago when concern was rampant regarding the reorganization of the U.S. State Department. At that time many thought that Africa was being downgraded as a interest of the Trump Administration.
After sixteen months there have been considerable and somewhat surprising actions taken by the Administration in Africa. The framework to end hostilities between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda was a surprise with some challenges. However, it is expected to see a Rwandan Withdrawal from Congolese Territory soon.
To follow up on this effort there is now an effort to mediate between Morocco and the Polisario that could resolve another long-standing African Insurgency.
The main event of this year probably has to be the decision to send trainers into Nigeria. This move follows a Christmas Day eve strike against Islamists in Northwestern Nigeria and predates what would be later codified in the National Counterterrorism Strategy released earlier this year. Regarding Africa two of the pillars of that strategy are to defeat jihadist activity and to protect Christians.
Regarding these lofty goals and activities there is a basic question that needs to be asked. Is the Bureau of African Affairs which has a key role in making determinations regarding countries designated as CPCs or placed on the Special Watch List under the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act and making recommendations regarding potential sanctions under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act.
Regarding the Bureau, events are moving in the correct direction. Recently Frank Garcia was sworn in to be the assistant secretary of state for African Affairs. This position went unfilled for too long as some length of time regarding diplomatic efforts have shown.
Currently the main focal points of U.S. Policy are the following three: commercial diplomacy, strategic competition and security cooperation. The U.S. currently finds itself vying for partnerships as other countries such as Russia, China, Turkey and the Gulf States are successfully making inroads into the African Market.
Roughly 24 hours after Ambassador Garcia was sworn in as Ambassador new legislation was introduced by two Republican Congressmen. Mike Lawlor of New York and Brian Mast from Florida and Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee introduced H.R. 9086, which is known as the Foreign Service Modernization Act.
Why does this legislation need to be introduced? The reorganization of the State Department hit the Bureau of African Affairs the hardest. Africa is also the area where there are the most vacancies as well. Now what will this legislation do if passed?
Our friends at Semafor described it best. “The bill also calls for greater investment in critical foreign-language expertise including Arabic, French, and Swahili to push for deeper regional knowledge.” The flaws of getting rid of people with these skills
have done more damage to American Diplomacy over the last few years than anything else. Previous Administrations have attempted to force American Ideals down the throats of African in such a way that it created resentment.
Will passing this bill resolve the many diplomatic ills that negatively impact our policies and actions? Not always but knowing what they need will go farther in the long run.