49

Mar 18 2022 37 ep. 14 mins 414

49 Podcast artwork

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.

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São Tomé and Príncipe with Ambassador Cynthia Akuetteh

Mar 18 2022 14 mins

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

Kenya with Ken Opalo

Mar 18 2022 13 mins

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 Afric

Gabon with Ambassador Cynthia Akuetteh

Mar 18 2022 13 mins

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 15 mins

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

Central African Republic with Ambassador Lawrence Wohlers

Mar 18 2022 14 mins

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 betwe

Burundi with Carine Kaneza Nantulya

Nov 30 2021 15 mins

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 Washingt

Cameroon with Chris Fomunyoh

Nov 30 2021 14 mins

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 s

Democratic Republic of Congo with Mvemba Dizolele

Nov 30 2021 16 mins

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

Republic of Congo with Ambassador Dr. Robin Renee Sanders

Nov 30 2021 15 mins

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

Rwanda with Mvemba Dizolele

Nov 30 2021 15 mins

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