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What is the past, present, and future of U.S. policy towards sub-Saharan Africa? Judd Devermont, Director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and Nicole Wilett, Chief of Staff at the Open Society Foundations, sit down with diplomats, journalists, civil society activists, and academics to discuss policy recommendations for the Biden Administration. In 15 minutes or less, these episodes deliver the goods on U.S. relations with African countries, as well as share the best of African music, food, dance, film, and travel.

Latest Episodes:

São Tomé and Príncipe with Ambassador Cynthia Akuetteh Mar 18, 2022

Show notes

Ambassador Cynthia Akuetteh joins Judd and Nicole to explore what a reimagined U.S. policy toward São Tomé and Príncipe might look like. Ambassador Akuetteh argues that the Central African island state should be at the center of Biden’s climate strategy toward the region, as well as the recipient of additional Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compacts. She also calls on Washington to operate an embassy in the country. Plus, what makes São Tomé’s chocolate so uniquely delectable.

Kenya with Ken Opalo Mar 18, 2022

Show notes

Ken Opalo (Georgetown University) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss what the Biden administration strategy should be toward Kenya, recommending “trade, trade, and more trade.” He suggests that the Biden administration think beyond the bilateral U.S.-Kenya Free Trade Agreement (FTA) floated under the Trump administration and consider a regional trade agreement with the East African Community (EAC) that fits within the continent-wide African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. Plus, we hear about the future of Kenyan athletic excellence beyond running: Kenyan rugby!

Gabon with Ambassador Cynthia Akuetteh Mar 18, 2022

Show notes

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ambassador Cynthia Akuetteh to discuss U.S.-Gabon relations, including why the Biden administration should support Gabon on its climate goals and anti-logging efforts, as well as engage the government and civil society groups to ensure a peaceful election in 2023. Plus, we hear a clip from President Bongo’s 1977 funk album, “Brand New Man”.

Chad with Jérôme Tubiana Mar 18, 2022

Show notes

Judd and Nicole are joined by Jérôme Tubiana to discuss U.S.-Chad relations. They talk about Washington’s disregard of Chad’s democracy challenges in favor of the counter-terrorism relationship, and why it's critical that the United States support a transition to civilian rule following the April 2021 death of Idriss Déby. Plus, Jérôme describes his month-long visit to the Tibesti Mountains, a volcanic mountain range in northern Chad.

Central African Republic with Ambassador Lawrence Wohlers Mar 18, 2022

Show notes

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ambassador Laurence Wohlers (Youth for Understanding) to discuss the history of U.S. policy toward Central African Republic (CAR). They explore Washington’s episodic engagement with the land-locked nation and why the international community should focus on outcomes, not just process. Plus, Ambassador Wohlers describes the history of coexistence between CAR’s ethnic groups and the country’s "imported” ethnic tension.

Burundi with Carine Kaneza Nantulya Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

Carine Kaneza Nantulya (Human Rights Watch) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S.-Burundi relations and why the Biden administration should engage on human rights and democracy issues to ensure Burundi’s next elections are free, fair, and transparent. Plus, why Burundian royal drummers—accompanied by Jennifer Hudson—should be incorporated into the next state visit to Washington, D.C.

Cameroon with Chris Fomunyoh Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

Judd and Nicole are joined by Christopher Fomunyoh (National Democratic Institute) to talk U.S. policy toward Cameroon. They discuss how the Biden administration should approach the country’s Anglophone crisis—including by appointing an envoy—and why Washington should implement its own strategy toward Cameroon while working with France and Central African states on a shared strategy to address ongoing challenges. Plus, why Cameroon is known as “Africa in miniature.”

Democratic Republic of Congo with Mvemba Dizolele Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

Mvemba Dizolele (CSIS) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S. policy toward the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Mvemba explains why the Biden administration should shift its focus from humanitarian crisis to political crisis in the DRC, and recommends that Washington prioritize security sector reform and trade and investment with U.S. companies. Plus, a quick run-down on the Society of Ambience-Makers and Elegant People (Le Sape), a Congolese subculture known for stylish dressers in Congo’s capital Kinshasa and the Republic of Congo’s Brazzaville.

Republic of Congo with Ambassador Dr. Robin Renee Sanders Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

Ambassador Robin Renee Sanders joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S. policy toward the Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville or Congo-B. Ambassador Sanders recommends that the Biden administration engage current President Denis Sassou on a two-three-year plan to transition out of office, as well as maintain support for security initiatives in the country. Plus, we hear a bit about the significance of art—and paintings in particular—in the Republic of Congo.

Rwanda with Mvemba Dizolele Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

Judd and Nicole are joined by Mvemba Dizolele (CSIS) to discuss U.S.-Rwandan relations, including why the Biden administration should continue constructive engagement with Kigali while balancing smart carrots and sticks. Mvemba recommends that the United States support a reconciliation agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and discusses what the debut of the NBA’s “Basketball Africa League” in Kigali earlier this year tells us about Rwanda’s global ambitions.

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