Speaking at Boston College with Professor Mesfin Woldegebriel

It was a pleasure to join Professor Mesfin Woldegebriel and his class at Boston College. We discussed a wide range of topics including opportunities for economic development and investment in Africa, historic peace negotiations in Angola, Ethiopia, and Mozambique, and the rising conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The continent's - and America's - future will be in good hands as those students move on  to careers in diplomacy and foreign policy.

Article: Operation Solomon and a Passover Reminder to Serve Others and Repair the World

Decades ago, while I was Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the State Department, Israel’s Operation Solomon rescued more than 14,000 Ethiopian Jews from danger and chaos.  As lead mediator for that mission between Israel and Ethiopia, my role was to swiftly navigate a complex web of negotiations, to put humanitarian solutions above political and military conflict. Lessons learned then still shine light on the part that soft power and compassion must continue to play to make the world better - and greater.  I share my reflections in my @WJWeek column, Operation Solomon and a Passover Reminder to Serve Others and Repair the World.

Speaking at Cornell University’s Reppy Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies

Thank you to Cornell University’s Reppy Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies. It was a pleasure speaking with my old colleague Aileen Marshall about the differing approaches of the U.S., China, and Russia in Africa. We discussed how these major powers have affected Africa in terms of economic development, security partnerships, and governance.

Speaking at the World Affairs Council of Charlotte Speaker Series

Thank you to the World Affairs Council of Charlotte. It was a pleasure to speak with Mike Hawley and Leandre Adifon on a wide range of topics, including the history of colonization in Africa and its role in shaping policy, economic development in African countries, and the different approaches of the U.S., Russia, and China.

Article: China in Africa: The Nuanced Reality of Belt and Road

My latest article for American Diplomacy is titled China in Africa: The Nuanced Reality of Belt and Road. In it, I discuss China’s growing presence in Africa and the complexities behind its investments and economic opportunities.

ACNSL National Security Book Award Event

My thanks and deep appreciation to the board of ACNSL for selecting my book for “Best Book on Security for 2023.” This award has special significance for two reasons. First, the ACNSL Board is made up of generals, admirals, and senior defense officials. So, the award for security is truly meaningful. Secondly, the book is a memoir about my career. In effect, the award recognizes the element of security in my career as a specialist in US-African relations. During the period 1989-1993, the Bureau of African Affairs, under my leadership, ended three African civil wars in Angola, Mozambique, and Ethiopia. I am very proud to receive this award and grateful for the support of my family throughout my career. 

Interview: Discussing the U.S.'s Aid Priorities to Africa on VOA Afrique

In a panel on Voice of America Afrique, I discussed the U.S.’s aid priorities to the current humanitarian crises in Africa.

Article: In Africa, Corruption Remains a Barrier to Investment

My latest article for The Globe Post is titled In Africa, Corruption Remains a Barrier to Investment. I write about the potential new labor force in Africa, the need for direct investments in manufacturing, and African countries investing in their own countries.

Speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Africa Forum

Thank you to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace for hosting the Carnegie Africa Forum. It was a pleasure to appear alongside Ambassador Jendayi Frazer, Ambassador Tibor Nagy, and Ambassador Johnnie Carson, sharing our insights on US-Africa relations and economic development on the continent.

Interview: Discussing Russia in Africa and French and U.S. Withdrawal From the Sahel on the American Diplomat Podcast

I appeared on the American Diplomat podcast to discuss Russia in Africa, French and U.S. withdrawal from the Sahel, as well as my latest book with host Ambassador Peter Romero.

Article: A New Face, But an Old Tactic: History Offers Clues on Stopping Russia’s African Advance

In my piece for American Diplomacy, I explore comparisons between Russia's modern Africa outreach via the Wagner Group, and the Soviet Union's historical policies on the continent. Awareness of the underlying similarities, I believe, is key to both understanding and ultimately countering their expansion. Read more at American Diplomacy.

Speaking at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies with Professor Eric Silla

I joined Professor Eric Silla's Making U.S. Policy in Africa class at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies to share stories from my career, as well as my perspective on contemporary African affairs.

Interview: Discussing the situation in the DRC and the possibility of outside intervention on Australia's SBS News

In an interview with SBS News on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I talked about Rwanda’s ties to M23, the possibility of outside intervention, whether the rebels might take the city of Goma, and how this conflict is testing the solidarity of the SADC.

Interview: Discussing the ongoing conflict in the DRC on Australia’s ABC News

In an appearance on Australia’s ABC News, I discussed the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda-backed rebel group M23, and the possibility of outside intervention.

Interview: Discussing my career in the Foreign Service with The Washington Diplomat

I spoke with The Washington Diplomat about my career in the Foreign Service, as well as contemporary issues in Africa.

Africa, You Have a Friend in Washington featured in the Foreign Service Journal

I’m so pleased to have my latest book, Africa, You Have a Friend in Washington, featured in the Foreign Service Journal’s “In Their Own Write” edition. Diplomats have fascinating stories and insights to share. I’m eager to read the other pieces published here.

Interview: Discussing President Biden’s Address to the Nation on VOA Afrique

In a panel on Voice of America Afrique, I discussed U.S. President Biden’s recent address on providing aid to Israel and Ukraine.

Speaking at The Fletcher School with Ambassador Donald Heflin

I recently spoke virtually at The Fletcher School at Tufts University. I discussed a variety of topics ranging from France-Africa relations to the Wagner Group’s involvement in Africa.

Interview: Discussing the Niger Coup on VOA Afrique

In a panel with Voice of America, I discussed the U.S.-Niger relations and how they have been impacted by the decision of the American government to recognize the takeover in Niger as a coup d'état.

Interview on RFI: Les relations entre la France et l'Afrique sont toujours très importantes

In an appearance on Radio France Internationale, I spoke with Laurent Correau about France’s military withdrawal from Niger, and the state of French-American relations in Africa.