October 20, 2023
Gabon: U.S. Official Says Gabon's Return to Civilian Rule Is Vital
A top U.S. official on African affairs says there is a need for a quick transition to civilian rule in Gabon after a coup in August, but coup leaders have yet to make public when… Read more »
October 13, 2023
Africa: US Seeks to 'Diversify' China-Dominated Africa Minerals Supply Chain
Africa is the site of a new battle for influence as Washington ramps up efforts to build an alternative critical minerals supply chain to avoid reliance on China. Beijing dominates… Read more »
October 10, 2023
Niger: U.S. Officially Designates Military Takeover As Coup
The United States has officially designated the July military takeover in Niger as a coup, a decision that limits U.S. military aid and coordination with a country the Pentagon has… Read more »
September 30, 2023
Namibia: Canada's ReconAfrica Violated Laws - Parliamentary Investigation
A parliamentary investigation in Namibia found that Canadian oil exploration company ReconAfrica violated several of the country's laws and that its local partner deceived and… Read more »
September 27, 2023
Africa: U.S. Defense Secretary Completes First Tour Across Africa
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin returns to the United States Thursday after wrapping up his first tour across the African continent as Pentagon chief. Read more »
Africa: New Initiative Aims to Connect U.S. to Africa
The White House says a new advisory council composed of prominent Americans of African heritage aims at "enhancing dialogue between U.S. officials and the African diaspora" -- a… Read more »
September 26, 2023
Kenya: Defence Secretary Praises U.S., Kenya Defence Ties
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday praised what he called the "strong relationship" between U.S. and Kenyan forces as he met with troops from the two countries at Camp… Read more »
September 25, 2023
Kenya: U.S. Defence Secretary Austin in Kenya for Talks
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin traveled Monday to Kenya for talks with defense officials about security and counterterrorism. Read more »
September 24, 2023
Africa: Pentagon Chief On Africa Tour Focusing On Defense Issues
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Djiboutian leaders and the president of Somalia in Djibouti on Sunday, marking his first trip to Africa as Secretary of Defense amid… Read more »
September 20, 2023
Kenya: Millennium Challenge Corporation Awards Kenya U.S.$60 Million to Help Improve Urban Transport
Kenyan President William Ruto has signed a $60 million dollar grant agreement with the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly session… Read more »
September 14, 2023
Somalia: U.S. Gave 'Remote' Help to Somali Military Operation That Killed Civilians
The U.S. military acknowledged providing assistance to a Somali government operation against al-Shabab leaders last week in which five civilians died. Read more »
September 08, 2023
Niger: U.S. Drone Flights Limited Since Niger Coup
Two U.S. officials have told VOA that military drone flights from bases in Niger have been "limited" since the July coup, a restriction experts believe is likely hindering the… Read more »
September 01, 2023
Chad: US Envoy Heading to Chad to See Situation of Sudanese Refugees
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield will head to the border of Chad and Sudan on Tuesday to meet with refugees from the war in Sudan and the humanitarians who are assisting… Read more »
August 30, 2023
Gabon: Washington Following Gabon 'Closely' After Military Detains President
Washington is following events in Libreville "very, very closely," the White House said Wednesday, hours after military officers in the West African nation of Gabon seized power… Read more »
August 27, 2023
Somalia: U.S. Airstrike Kills 13 Al-Shabaab Militants, Africom Says
The U.S. military in Africa (AFRICOM) reported a "collective self-defense" airstrike against al-Shabab militants -- killing 13 fighters in Somalia. Read more »
August 26, 2023
Zimbabwe: US Embassy Joins Others Voicing Concern About Zimbabwe Election
The U.S. Embassy in Harare joined other election observers Saturday in voicing deep concerns about Zimbabwe's general election, saying it fell short of the requirements of the… Read more »
August 23, 2023
Africa: U.S. Sees IS Effectiveness Decreasing, but Analysts Warn Resurgence Still Possible
While the Islamic State terror group continues to lose influence in Iraq, U.S. Major General Matthew W. McFarlane recently warned that IS remnants still pose a threat to areas not… Read more »
August 18, 2023
Niger: U.S. Military Preparing for Worst-Case Scenario, Evacuation From Niger
Planning is underway for a possible U.S. military evacuation from Niger, even though a top U.S. general says any final decision is still "weeks away." Read more »
August 08, 2023
West Africa: Senior U.S. Diplomat Visits Niger for Talks With Country's Military Leaders
A top U.S diplomatic official has visited Niger to urge the nation's new military rulers to restore the West African nation's democratically elected president to power. Read more »
August 05, 2023
Zimbabwe: U.S. Official Calls for Free, Fair Elections, End to Political Violence in Zimbabwe
Editor's note: U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee gave an interview to VOA Zimbabwe Service's Blessing Zulu on Thursday. Read more »
August 02, 2023
Niger: Washington Closely Watching Niger After Coup
The White House says it's closely watching a coup in Niger, as the U.S. Embassy prepares to evacuate some staff from the West African nation. With the coup plotters staring down a… Read more »
July 27, 2023
Africa: Communications Director Discusses U.S. Dismissal of Russia's Offer of Free Grain to Africa
The Biden administration is dismissing Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer to supply free grain to several African nations whose leaders are attending a summit in St.… Read more »
July 13, 2023
Africa: African Leaders At Business Summit Call for Extension of Trade Deal With U.S.
Leaders at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Botswana have urged renewal of the long-standing Africa Growth Opportunities Act (AGOA). Read more »
July 11, 2023
South Africa: Business Groups Concerned As U.S. Reviews Trade Programme
South African business groups are pushing the government to make strong diplomatic efforts to ensure the country is not stripped of its duty-free access to the U.S. market. Read more »
July 04, 2023
Senegal: U.S Praises President for Bowing Out of 2024 Election
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has praised Senegal President Macky Sall's announcement that he would not seek a third term in next year's election. Read more »