In the eyes of Arikana Chihombori-Quao, the ex-ambassador of the African Union to the US, the recent shutdown of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by President Donald Trump’s administration is not a tragedy for Africa, but rather a reason for jubilation.
Chihombori-Quao claims that USAID, despite its years of implementing education and healthcare projects in Africa, has little to show for its efforts and has actually been responsible for causing instability in various countries by advancing hidden political agendas under the guise of environmentalism, human rights, or social justice.
The former diplomat goes on to say that if the US is no longer interested in fostering relationships with Africa, then African leaders should not be pleading for better ties either. According to Chihombori-Quao, establishing strong relationships requires the willingness of both parties to engage.