Zimbabwe at the Crossroads: The 2023 Election Determines Its Future

ACNSL Felllow Charles Ray writes in Foreign Policy Research Institute “In a depressing sign of what might be in store for voters in the election, on August 17, the Zimbabwean authorities deported four regional democracy activists and barred journalists from several international media outlets, including the Zimbabwe service of Voice of America. While several people with whom the author has spoken in recent days say that there is no overt military or security presence on Zimbabwe’s streets, the Mnangagwa administration has used the courts to hamper the opposition….” Read the rest of his excellent analysis.

FPRI Amb Ray Zimbabwe at Crossroads 2023 Election Will Determine https://www.fpri.org/article/2023/08/zimbabwe-at-the-crossroads-2023-election-will-determine-its-future/

Niger: ACNSL Statement on the Coup in NigerWashington, DC—29 July 2023.

It is with profound disappointment that we witness the government of the most democratic country in the Sahel region overthrown by its armed forces. Like its neighbors, Niger faces the enormous challenges posed by climate change, economic insecurity, and violent extremism. The unconstitutional seizure of power by an unelected military government is not the answer, nor are foreign mercenaries who have no respect for rule of law, human rights, or the lives and security of civilians. We urge the African Union and donor countries to work together to ensure that democracy is restored in Niger as soon as possible.

ACNSL Policy towards Africa 2023

Africa Views By AMB Charles Ray (ret) and AMB Steven McGann (ret) May 2023

The United States recently announced an ambitious reengagement and renewed focus on Africa. The goal is “developing a deeper bench of partners and more flexible regional architecture to respond to urgent challenges and catalyze economic growth and opportunities.”  Last December, the Biden Administration took a significant step toward implementing this approach.

Delegates from forty-nine African countries and the African Union were in the United States from the 13th to the 15th of December 2022, to attend the U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit (ALS). The ALS was welcomed as a sign of the end of “benign neglect” of Africa beyond concerns about China, Russia and countering-violent extremism.  This summit was a start, however, much more needs to be accomplished to meet the commitments outlined during the ALS.

Senior administration officials said the ALS was convened, ‘to focus on deepening and expanding the long-term U.S.-Africa partnership, advance shared priorities, and amplify African voices to work together to meet this era’s defining challenges.’

Four of the key ALS deliverables included: 1) U.S. support for making the African Union a member of the G-20; 2) a U.S. commitment of $55 billion in assistance to Africa over the next three years; 3) President Biden’s promise to visit Africa in 2023;  and 4) the appointment of former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, as the new Special Presidential Representative for U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit Implementation, to coordinate implementation of commitments from the summit. Increased private sector investment and civil society engagement also were emphasized during companion venues. We recognize that the financial commitment will require cooperation with the Congress and encourage the administration to make this a priority.

In addition, U.S. Africa Command should renew consideration of moving its headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to a supportive country on the continent, or barring that, to the United States as U.S. Central Command has done. Although the U.S. has a base at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti as well as supporting operations from Kenya and Somalia, a more visible presence at the command level is warranted. In 2021, then Nigerian President Buhari called for the relocation of AFRICOM. The aftermath of the recent elections in Nigeria should be an opportunity to look anew at this issue. This should be a higher priority in State-Defense regional cooperation. The U.S. should begin diplomatic engagement with supportive countries to identify a new headquarters location.

More needs to be done to address the changing strategic dynamic on the continent.  Several African countries either voted against or abstained on the recent United Nations resolution on Ukraine. The recent joint naval exercises between South Africa, China and Russia in the Indian Ocean should also give us pause. China is close to establishing a new base in Equatorial Guinea on Africa’s west coast. Beijing’s regional ambitions go beyond the Belt and Road Initiative augmented by civilian infrastructure projects, space technology and fisheries expansion. 

Recognizing African governments’ sovereignty and agency in determining the continent’s future is our starting point. The U.S. can no longer take for granted African support for its policies. Moreover, it cannot assume that our embassies can do the job alone. Relocating AFRICOM is an important step to assure our African partners that the U.S. commitment to the region is serious and will be sustained. Addressing these issues with renewed vigor will determine the outcomes of President Biden’s anticipated trip to Africa.

Africa Committee Chair

Ambassador Charles Ray

Members

Edward Walker, Ambassador

Ricardo Aponte, Brig. Gen., USAF

Donald Booth, Ambassador

Hank Cohen, Ambassador

Andrew Davis, Maj. Gen,. USMC

Cameron Hume, Ambassador

Dennis Jett, Ambassador

Mike Kraft, SES

Frederick Martin, Maj. Gen., USAF

Steven McGann, Ambassador

Robin Rene Sanders, Ambassador

Harry Thomas, Ambassador

John M. Jones, Ambassador

Sanford E. Holman, MGen, US Army

Scott Gration, Maj. Gen. USAF (and former Ambassador)

Vicki Huddleston, Ambassador (retired) — former Chair of the Committee