"Africa, You Have a Friend in Washington" Book Launch Event.

Last week, I celebrated the launch of my latest book, “Africa, You Have a Friend in Washington: An American Diplomat's Adventures in Sub-Saharan Africa”. The book, published earlier this month, is a memoir chronicling my years spent in the Foreign Service and my experiences with some of Africa's most iconic leaders. Thank you to DACOR and the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training for hosting us. I would also like to express my thanks to all who were able to attend. I was honored by your presence and support at the event. 

Article: A Fragile Opportunity for Peace in Sudan

I discuss the conflict in Sudan and how continued disruption in the region will have harsh consequences both for the Sudanese people, and for the world at large. But once again history educates us on why it is important for the U.S. to offer a supporting hand to any potential peace process in the Sudan to establish a civilian government that will secure lasting stability for the Sudanese people. Read more in allAfrica.

Article: Deepening Working Relationships in Africa

I discuss the second U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit that took place in Washington, D.C., in December 2022 after nearly a decade. The Biden administration’s policy statement emphasized human rights, good governance, food security, peace, and a favorable environment for private sector investments. The summit’s focus was on extending and deepening the partnership between the U.S. and Africa. Read more in the Foreign Service Journal

My Statement on the Death of Angola's Former President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos

My Statement on the Death of Angola's Former President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos

My condolences to the family of former Angolan President Eduardo dos Santos upon his passing. I had regular meetings with President Eduardo Dos Santos of Angola while I held senior positions in African affairs in the U.S. Government from 1986 to 1993. At all times, I found him to be a sincere believer in peace and democracy for his people. While his tenure in office was undermined by civil war and fiscal mismanagement, I believe he set the stage for the strong democratic and anti-corruption systems that followed.

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Article: A Tipping Point For Democracy In African Countries

Article: Le moment est venu pour un pivot [de l’Amérique] vers l’Afrique

Article: Le moment est venu pour un pivot [de l’Amérique] vers l’Afrique

A French translation of my recent article, in which I discuss how Africa is not a battlefield for competition with China and Russia. We must see African aid, development, and investment as worthy security projects in their own right – in this article for Proceedings.

Les États-Unis doivent considérer l’aide, le développement et l’investissement de l’Afrique comme de sérieux projets de sécurité à part entière. Les investissements dans l’agriculture durable, l’énergie propre, les infrastructures et la finance attendent que les États-Unis prennent les initiatives.

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