14-07-2025

Trump's mixed Africa record under fire

Date: 14-07-2025
Sources: foxnews.com: 1 | economist.com: 2
Image for cluster 5
Image Source:

Source: foxnews.com

Image content: The image shows a photograph of former US President Donald Trump sitting at a desk, holding a document and pen in the Oval Office. He sits between two men standing behind him, all of whom appear to be in suits and facing the camera. A woman stands on the right side of the image, and another man stands on the left. * **Donald Trump** * Sitting at a desk * Holding a document and pen * Wearing a blue suit with a red tie * **Two Men Standing Behind Trump** * Both wearing dark suits * The man on the left is wearing a red tie * The man on the right is wearing a red tie *

Summary

The cluster of articles highlights Donald Trump's mixed record on the African region, marked by diplomatic successes, like brokering a deal between Congo and Rwanda, and criticisms of disinterest, such as the closure of key Africa-focused posts. The ongoing war in Sudan is a pressing issue, having caused significant humanitarian need and loss of life. Former officials are calling on the US to end support to conflict parties and push for civilian rule, utilizing its influence with backers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The broader Middle East & Africa area is dealing with multiple challenges, from the Israel-Iran tensions to surges in violence in specific countries.

Key Points

  • Donald Trump's administration has had an inconsistent engagement with the region, marked by diplomatic achievements and disengagement from key African issues.
  • The conflict in Sudan has caused tens of thousands of deaths, displaced millions, and necessitates international diplomatic intervention.
  • Trump's administration has been urged to apply its successful diplomatic model to resolve the Sudanese war by ending external backing for warring factions and promoting civilian rule.
  • The US has been noted for its potential to leverage its relationships with key regional players to bring about change.
  • Trump's Africa strategy mirrors certain characteristics associated with African political approaches, despite apparent disengagement.

Articles in this Cluster

After African peace success, Trump urged to tackle forgotten Sudan war | Fox News

President Donald Trump is being urged to leverage his diplomatic success in brokering a peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to end the war in Sudan. The conflict in Sudan has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, displaced 14.2 million people, and left over 30 million in need of humanitarian assistance. Cameron Hudson, a former senior official on Africa in the George W. Bush administration, believes the Trump administration is "uniquely positioned" to make a difference in Sudan due to its close ties with the war's key backers, including Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Hudson argues that the US should end external support to the warring parties and work with its partners to resolve the crisis and restore civilian governance in Sudan.

Donald Trump’s approach to Africa is very, well, African

Donald Trump's approach to Africa is characterized as being "very, well, African" despite his administration's apparent disinterest in the continent, as evidenced by the closure of USAID, unfilled Africa-related posts, and the potential expiration of AGOA.

Middle East & Africa | The Economist

The Middle East & Africa region is dealing with various crises. Iraq's Shia militias backed off from the war, potentially loosening Iran's control. In Gaza, a potential agreement may leave Hamas at a disadvantage. South Africa is facing a surge in contract killings. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's Africa policy is likened to certain African political tactics. The Israel-Iran war has not significantly changed the region, with Gulf states fearing its consequences. Additionally, there are concerns over the future of democracy and the impact of the Israel-Iran conflict on Shia politics. Several fragile ceasefires and deals are being discussed, but their effectiveness is questionable.