Sub-Saharan Africa

Overview Sub-Saharan Africa is poorest and at times most violent place on Earth Famine and disease However, fast-growing economies and untapped resources of mineral wealth make it a promising region U.S. has been indirectly involved with Africa but more significant involvement came after World War II

U.S. Involvement In the last decade U.S. has promoted democracy After Sept 11 the Pentagon announced that fighting terrorism would be a new priority to the U.S- Africa policy Recently the U.S provided logistical and intelligence support for France’s invasion of Mali Early failures in Africa include American causalities at the hands of Somali guerrillas (Black Hawk Down) and American inaction during the Rwandan genocide

U.S. Involvement 2000 Congress passed the ‘Africa Growth and Opportunity Act’ – dropped trade restrictions for countries that promoted market reform and human rights Success with 37 Africa nations receiving favorable trade access to the U.S 2002 President Bush proposed a plan to link aid to a gov’t’s performance in 17 different factors Ex: human rights protection, rates of immunization, public spending on education Idea was to give developing countries and incentive to do better in these areas and give them more aid for doing so

U.S. Involvement 2004 ‘Millennium Challenge Account’ has dispensed roughly $9 billion in aid to 17 countries Funds have been used to fund programs aimed at strengthening civil society 2003 President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Reflief (PEPFAR) authorized $15 billion from 2003 to 2008 to provide life-saving medication for 2 million Africans living with HIV/AIDS Pres Obama has been promoting increased trade to and from Africa 2012 “Doing Business in Africa” campaign sought to connect American businesses with Africans living in the U.S to help break down barriers

U.S. needs to focus more on Africa. Agree U.S. leaders have done little to stop conflict in the region China and other powers are investing in Africa and unless the U.S gets involved, other outside powers will shape the continent’s future Disagree U.S. has been increasingly been providing more military support for a variety of countries Has been promoting trade within the continent U.S. has played a key role in the creation of South Sudan and has continued the fight against HIV/AIDS and other diseases