U.S. FREEZES AID TO SOUTH AFRICA…
The U.S. Department of State has called for the immediate suspension of most foreign aid to South Africa, invoking Executive Order 14204 on behalf of President Trump. The order, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, cites "unjust racial discrimination" against white Afrikaners as the justification for halting assistance. While America’s international HIV/AIDS program, known as PEPFAR, is exempt from the freeze, all other aid requires special authorization with a high threshold for exemption.
The move comes in the wake of rising tensions between Pretoria and Washington, particularly over land reform in South Africa and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The decision has raised alarm over what lies ahead for South African-U.S. trade relations, with Pretoria preparing for the worst in case the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has granted South Africa billions of dollars of duty-free exports, is revoked. (The Guardian, March 6, 2025)
…AND WITHDRAWS FROM SOUTH AFRICA CLIMATE PACT
The U.S. has officially withdrawn from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a multibillion-dollar climate initiative that will support South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam in shutting down coal production and transitioning to renewable energy. The move is in line with President Trump's broader reversal of global climate pledges made by his predecessor. America’s decision, however, has not been mirrored by other stakeholders. The remaining JETP partners—UK, EU, France, and Germany—have all reaffirmed their commitment to South Africa’s energy transition. (Associated Press, March 6, 2025; Bloomberg, March 6, 2025)
RSF ATTACKS SUDAN REFUGEE CAMP, WFP HALTS AID
The Zamzam Sudanese refugee camp is under siege as the Sudanese paramilitary group known as Sudan’s rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) step up their assaults. The escalation of attacks has led to the suspension of activities by the UN World Food Program (WFP), which is critical to the more than 500,000 starving families that have sought refuge in Zamzam. The RSF has targeted the camp for months, claiming it hosts troops affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces. (Al Jazeera, February 16, 2025; Voice of America, February 26, 2025)
REGIONAL BLOCS WEIGH TROOP DEPLOYMENT IN EASTERN CONGO
The deployment of African Union troops to M23 militia-held territory in the Democratic Republic of Congo is being negotiated and supported by Eastern and Southern African countries. The initiative is a response to the increasingly desperate situation in rebel-held cities of the DRC, such as Goma and Bukavu, where routes for the delivery of aid by air and road have been cut off, affecting half a million displaced people. At the same time, the Eastern and Southern African blocs have further proposed talks with M23 to re-open the airports as well as roads, to facilitate the delivery of aid and the evacuation of wounded and dead. (Reuters, February 25, 2025)
SOMALIA PUNCHES BACK AGAINST ISIS
Somali forces in Puntland have pushed back ISIS fighters after a series of intense battles in the Cal Miskaad mountains. The offensive, launched on February 4, resulted in heavy casualties, with over 500 militants killed and three ISIS bases captured. Despite counterattacks, the terror group has been forced to retreat, splintering into smaller factions in the process. UAE and U.S. airstrikes have supported Puntland’s campaign, targeting key ISIS figures, including recruiter Ahmed Maeleninine. Experts, however, have warned that the group may still attempt to regroup. (Voice of America, March 5, 2025)
AFRICOM FACES A BLEAK FUTURE
The U.S. Africa Command, responsible for U.S. military operations in Africa, is reportedly facing scrutiny from the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Sources indicate that the combatant command may soon be reintegrated back into the larger European Command, despite the fact that AFRICOM's mission is significantly different – the rationale that prompted the Pentagon’s decision to form a separate command for Africa back in 2008.The potential dissolution, or at least downgrading, of AFRICOM could create a power vacuum in Africa, as the command currently plays a vital role on the continent, both in deterring American adversaries and in helping prevent the formation of military alliances between African nations and countries like China and Russia, both of whom are seeking a stronger presence there. (Semafor, March 3, 2025)
EU STRENGTHENS GHANA’S DEFENSE AGAINST SAHEL THREATS
The European Union has provided €50 million in non-lethal military equipment to Ghana to strengthen the country’s defenses against growing extremist attacks from the Sahel. The aid, which includes sophisticated communications equipment and riverine assets, aims to increase the capabilities of Ghana's security forces and provide stability to West Africa, with additional support expected through 2026. As extremist activities in the Sahel region have intensified, Ghana has emerged as the center of the regional response, and the EU has deepened its contacts with Accra. The EU also provides assistance to more than 70 security-related projects in Ghana, including in the areas of border management, counter-terrorism, and cyber security. (The Africa Report, February 27, 2025)
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