49

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.

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!

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Mathias Hounkpe (OSIWA) to discuss U.S.-Benin relations. Mathias shares his vision for the Biden strategy toward the coastal West African state, including a shift of resources toward human rights and democratization as well as support on health, electrification, and seaport security. Mathias also stresses the critical need for Washington to protect its democratic identity at home, particularly as it engages on democratization issues in Africa. Plus, they discuss two prominent Beninese figures: singer-songwriter and feminist Angélique Kidjo, nicknamed “Africa's premier diva” by Time Magazine, and the late Isidore de Souza, a priest who helped bring democracy to Benin in the late 20th century.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ambassador Jorge Tolentino, former Foreign Minister of Cabo Verde, to discuss U.S. relations with the West African island-country. Ambassador Tolentino explains how the Biden administration can work with Cabo Verde to modernize its defense and national security model, which has remained unchanged since Cabo Verde's independence in 1975. Plus, we hear about some of the rich connections between Cabo Verde and its vast diaspora in the United States and Europe. Background Readings: The Cape Verdean Blues (album), Horace Silver – Spotify Paul Gonsalves (artist page) – Spotify The Tavares Brothers (artist page) - Spotify

Ade Daramy (Promota Africa Magazine) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S.-Sierra Leone relations and how the Biden administration can prioritize a true partnership based on shared values, particularly the commitment to democracy. Plus, why the U.S. should provide athletic scholarships to Sierra Leoneans and how Sierra Leone—as a key site of the Atlantic slave trade—can better connect with its U.S. diaspora and Black Americans.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Dr. Ibrahima Aidara (OSIWA) to discuss U.S.-Senegalese relations, the perception of many Senegalese that Washington has been less vocal on democratic backsliding, corruption, and human rights abuses in the country, and what the Biden administration can focus on going forward (hint: health systems, education infrastructure, and renewable energy). Plus, Dr. Aidara describes the solemn significance of Senegal's Gorée Island, the largest slave-trading site on the African coast between the 15th and 19th centuries. 

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ade Daramy to discuss U.S.-Gambian relations, including the role of the Peace Corps and the importance of agriculture-focused partnerships. They also discuss next steps for the Biden administration, including supporting the country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, helping to rebuild the military, and directly supporting democracy-focused civil society organizations. Plus, Ade shares the story of how Gambia became The Gambia.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Kamissa Camara (Tony Blair Institute & USIP) to talk through the history of U.S. policy toward Burkina Faso, how the Biden administration can grow economic opportunities in the country, and why you should travel to Ouagadougou to attend Fespaco, the largest African film festival in the world.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ambassador Phil Carter (Mead Hill Group) to discuss the history of U.S. diplomacy toward Côte d'Ivoire, why the Biden administration should prioritize the West African state as a lynchpin of development in the region, and how the United States can leverage sports diplomacy to advance U.S. objectives.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Kwasi Prempeh (CDD-Ghana) to discuss the history of U.S. policy toward Ghana, how the Biden administration can help strengthen local government, and why it's critical that democracy be the economically competitive option for Africans. Plus, check out @CSISAfrica socials for a bonus video with Kwasi on Anansi the spider. Anansi the Oldest of Animals - Spotify

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ambassador Phil Carter (Mead Hill Group) to discuss U.S.-Guinea policy. They explore the need for increased U.S. intervention in education and infrastructure, as well as a regional approach to mitigate violence and weak governance in both coastal West Africa and the Sahel. Ambassador Carter also discusses why addressing gender inequality—particularly female genital mutilation—is so critical in Guinea.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Gyude Moore (CGD) to discuss the U.S.-Liberia relationship, including ways the Biden administration can prioritize Liberia's health sector, and why U.S. firms should compete in providing infrastructure and road paving deals to the Liberian government. Plus, Gyude explains why Liberia's jollof rice beats out Nigeria's, Ghana's, and Sierra Leone's.

Kamissa Camara (Tony Blair Institute & USIP) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S. policy toward Mali, including how the Biden administration can better encourage democracy and security, flex its diplomatic muscle, and rethink the international strategy toward the crisis in the Sahel. Plus, Kamissa recommends the classic Malian book Amkoullel, the Fula Boy by Amadou Hampâté Bâ.

Paulo Gomes (Constelor Investment, New African Capital Partners) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S. policy toward Guinea-Bissau, including why the U.S. does not have an embassy, how the Biden administration can reprioritize the bilateral relationship, and the importance of protecting the country's islands and wetlands from climate change. Plus, they remember pan-African anti-colonial hero Amílcar Cabral.

In the Mauritania episode of 49, Judd, Nicole, and Intissar Fakir (Middle East Institute) discuss the delicate balance between counterterrorism priorities and social justice initiatives in the West African country. Intissar calls on the Biden administration to bolster support for educational programs and urges the Mauritanian government to launch a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the country's recent history of slavery. Plus, hear what Chinguetti—the ancient trading center in the country's north—means to Mauritanians today.

Ambassador Bisa Williams (Williams Strategy Advisors) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S. policy toward Niger, including why the Biden administration should pay more attention to Niamey's complex relationship with North African states. They also explore the need for increased education as a key to unlocking economic development and democratization. Plus, Ambassador Williams describes Nigerien architecture in vivid detail. (Catch some of her own architecture snapshots on @CSISAfrica social media platforms!) Background Reading In Niger, an Architect Looking to the Country's Design Traditions - Michael Snyder

Judd and Nicole are joined by Uzodinma Iweala (The Africa Center) to explore the history of U.S. policy toward Nigeria, why the West African country should be at the center of any U.S.-Africa strategy, and how Nigeria can be a key player in the fight against climate change. Uzo also reflects on the new generation of Nigerian authors—to which he belongs.

Let's talk Togo. Judd and Nicole are joined by Désiré Assogbavi (ONE Campaign) to discuss job creation, the need for value-added agriculture, and how to tackle the issue of illicit financial flows. Plus, how to avoid takeout deals and get the news you want when searching “Togo” online.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Zenaida Machado (Human Rights Watch) to discuss Angola's anti-corruption campaign, economic diversification, and contributions to peacekeeping, recommending U.S. policy that treats the nation as an equal partner and the versatile Angolan musician, Matias Damásio.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations) to discuss opportunities that stem from shared interests in the U.S. and Botswana, recommending that the Biden administration approach Botswana as a flagship partner and proposing joint ventures such as water conservation projects in regions beyond southern Africa.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Cebelihle Mbuyisa (New Frame) for a special episode on eSwatini, discussing the recent protests and brutal government crackdown, and recommending that the U.S. government amplify the voices of those fighting for change. Cebelihle, a journalist covering pro-democracy protests, recounts his experiences as a victim of police brutality and highlights the experiences of fellow citizens in this critical moment.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Silence Charumbira (Lesotho Times and Sunday Express) to discuss opportunities for U.S. engagement with Lesotho, including leveraging the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). They also point to cooperation in the health sector and admire Lesotho's captivating poetry scene.  

Judd and Nicole are joined by Johnnie Carson (U.S. Institute of Peace) to discuss Malawi's democracy, recommending a rebuilding of U.S-Malawi relationships, invitations to the Summit for Democracy, and recognition of the Malawian Supreme Court. Plus, why U.S. diplomats should dance.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Zenaida Machado (Human Rights Watch) to discuss U.S. policy towards Mozambique on issues ranging from counterterrorism to climate change mitigation and adaptation, recommending holistic approaches to addressing developmental issues and mouthwatering mukapata and prawn dishes.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Shinovene Immanuel (The Namibian) to discuss the cordial but neglected relations of the U.S. and Namibia, recommending that the U.S. launch creative pilot projects in Namibia, approach Namibia as an interlocutor in the region, and invest in education. Plus, why Namibians didn't take it too seriously when President Trump call their country “Nambia.”.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Michelle Gavin (Council on Foreign Relations) to discuss partnership and humility in U.S. policy toward South Africa, recommending personal relationships between the two nations and imagining a dinner party with South African luminaries

Judd and Nicole are joined by O'Brien Kaaba (University of Zambia) to discuss U.S. historical support for democracy, highlighting missed opportunities for U.S. involvement in protecting the rights of Zambian citizens. They recommend engagement with Zambia's civil society ahead of elections in August 2021 and share an appreciation of Zamrock music.  

Judd and Nicole are joined by Johnnie Carson (U.S. Institute of Peace) to discuss Zimbabwe's leadership as a challenge to effective U.S-Zimbabwe partnership, recommending strengthened support for Zimbabwe's civil society, reforms in the security sector, cooperation with SADC neighbors, and getaways to Troutbeck, and Masvingo. 

Introducing 49, CSIS Africa Program's newest podcast, about the past, present, and future of U.S. policy toward sub-Saharan Africa. Hosts Judd Devermont, director of CSIS's Africa Program, and Nicole Wilett, Chief of Staff at the Open Society Foundations, discuss past U.S. successes and failures; offer policy recommendations for the Biden Administration; and share the best of the region's music, movies, food, and culture. One country at a time. The first episodes drop on Thursday, 15 July 2021.