US military adventurism in Africa

Most Americans’ broad ignorance regarding Africa is a long-standing phenomenon, one perpetuated from the top down. I vividly remember in 2008 at the height of US presidential campaign when Mitt Romney’s running mate Sarah Palin thought Africa was one big country.

Previously in 2001, President George W. Bush told a gathering in Sweden, “Africa is a nation that suffers from incredible disease.”  Indeed this is shocking.

After four elite US soldiers were killed in an ambush in Niger several weeks ago, and after President Trump made a gut-grinding botch of offering condolences to the families of the fallen, Africa policy has become a hot topic in US politics. Beyond the febrile fodder of yet another presidential humiliation lies the deeper question: What were those four soldiers doing in Niger?

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up