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Massad Boulos, the U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, has made statements indicating that President Donald Trump holds Africa in high regard, despite the administration’s recent announcement of significant cuts to aid programs which have resulted in humanitarian challenges throughout the continent.
On his first day in office, Trump initiated a freeze on foreign aid as part of his “America First” foreign policy approach. This decision, compounded by ongoing trade tariffs, has raised concerns regarding the sustainability of a key trade agreement between the United States and various African nations that was intended to facilitate economic development.
During an interview on BBC’s Newsday, Boulos emphasized that Africa remains “very important” to Trump, contesting reports of potential U.S. mission closures in African countries. “He highly values Africa and African people,” stated Boulos, attempting to clarify the administration’s commitment to the continent notwithstanding the aid reductions.
The cuts to aid programs have particularly impacted health initiatives across Africa, including vital shipments of medical supplies and antiretroviral treatments. The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) extensive programs aimed at supporting health and humanitarian efforts have faced termination.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that eight countries, six of which are in Africa—such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Lesotho—could soon deplete their stocks of HIV medication due to the U.S. aid pause. Additionally, it is projected that nearly six million more Africans may fall into extreme poverty as a result of these aid cuts, according to projections from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), a pan-African think tank.
In a tragic incident earlier in the month, reports surfaced regarding the death of eight individuals, including five children, in South Sudan as they sought medical treatment for cholera, a situation exacerbated by the cessation of local aid prompted by U.S. funding cuts, as stated by the organization Save the Children.
However, Boulos contended that these fatalities could not be directly attributed to the aid reductions, asserting that such adjustments were necessary to enhance efficiency and accountability. “It is absolutely necessary [for the U.S.] to review some of these programs for much more efficiency and transparency,” he stressed, underscoring the importance of ensuring that aid is properly allocated to achieve intended results.
Boulos, who has ties through family to Trump, noted the interest expressed by U.S. companies in exploring mineral resources within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following his recent discussions in the resource-rich nation. The DRC is notable for its vast reserves of lithium, a key element for batteries and electric vehicles, yet it faces ongoing strife from armed groups such as the M23 rebels.
President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC has expressed hope that increased U.S. engagement in mineral extraction could lead to a decrease in violence in the region, which has suffered from conflict for nearly three decades. Currently, much of the mineral wealth is controlled by Chinese enterprises.
Boulos also mentioned interest in mineral exploration in Rwanda; however, he called for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the DRC and an end to support for M23 before proceeding. Rwanda, for its part, has denied any involvement in the conflict.
In response to concerns regarding whether U.S. interests lie solely in economic gains rather than the welfare of African nations, Boulos stated, “Our job is to promote U.S. interests and promote our strategic partnerships.” Boulos reiterated that Trump’s administration is committed to “end wars and establish peace” globally, highlighting the ongoing concerns about conflicts, particularly in Sudan.
Boulos’s recent itinerary included visits to Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, showcasing U.S. engagement across multiple African nations. His own business interests in Africa extend to a company operating in Nigeria that distributes vehicles and equipment throughout West Africa.
The Lebanese-born advisor noted Trump’s intention to correct what he perceives as “unfair advantages” being taken by other international entities operating in Africa. In relation to media reports suggesting a reduction in U.S. diplomatic presence on the continent, he remarked that such claims are “not very accurate,” reiterating the significance of Africa in U.S. foreign policy.
Regarding trade relations, Boulos dismissed concerns that recently implemented tariffs would have a significant adverse impact on most African nations, indicating that these tariffs pertained to “small trade volumes.” “Many countries have lined up for negotiations, and at the end of the day, we want fairness and a win-win solution,” he added.
The recently imposed tariffs have hit the small nation of Lesotho particularly hard, reaching 50% before being temporarily halted. Lesotho has benefited from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to become a significant textile exporter to the U.S., with this sector contributing substantially to its national income. However, experts fear the current Republican-led Congress may not renew AGOA, originally established by former President Bill Clinton in 2000 to bolster African trade and investment.
Source
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