From: Biniam Haile \(SWE\) (eritrea.lave@comhem.se)
Date: Mon Sep 07 2009 - 17:54:59 EDT
Investigation into U.S. State Dept Bureau of African Affairs
September 5th, 2009
By Scott A Morgan
By Scott A Morgan
While Most Advocates for African Issues and Pundits were focused on
other things such as the Visit to Africa by Secretary Clinton and the
Comprehensive Policy Review towards Sudan,an Internal Investigation by
the State Department into the Bureau of African Affairs revealed some
unique and chilling remarks.
What did this report reveal about what the Bureau that will be dealing
with what will be the next test in US Foreign Policy? This Department is
underfunded, facing staffing shortfalls, burdened with demands, has a
public diplomacy program that in the words of the report is "failed",
and has questions regarding the priorites of long term planning. Despite
these shortcomings the report by the State Department Inspector General
Praised the Work of the Bureau.
The evaluation into the Bureau took place between April 20th and June
9th of this year. It should be noted that Johnnie Carson who was
nominated by President Obama to this post assumed this position while
review was underway. Before Mr. Carson took over Philip Carter III was
the acting Undersecretary. The review viewed that the time under the
stewardship of Mr. Carter was a time of "renewal". The report sees Mr.
Carson as a Strong Leader for this position.
Some of the lowlights that were also revealed in this report were that
Several Unnamed Embassies have significant morale, staffing and
leadership issues. There was also a lack of communication from the
regional desks to the front office and disinterest in all posts but
those that deal with Crisis Situations. All in all this does not bode
well for the Secretary of State but could adversely affect decisions
made by the President as well.
The Lack of foresight in planning affects several aspects of US African
Policy. One glaring example was in Food Aid. Quoting the report" The
United States feeds Africa,it is not focusing as it might (should) on
helping Africans feed themselves." Another example was in the fight
against HIV/AIDS.
The US funds programs that focus more on medication than on prevention
of the Spread of this Deadly Disease. The Main function of most
humanitarian programs centered around PEPFAR and little if any resources
were allocated for education and combating HIV/AIDS.
Another point of controversy is AFRICOM. This newest command of the US
Military was resented by members of the Bureau. More often than not the
reason was that the Military was getting More Money allocated to it then
their State Department Counterparts. For Example A Military Information
Support Team dealing with Somalia received $ 600,000 while the State
Department got $ 30,000. It should be noted that the Military has
resources that State either dreams about or resents. The IG also
suggested that the Peacekeeping Training and Support Programs be
transferred to AFRICOM if the funding does not increase.
The IG report found that AGOA (Africa Growth and Opportunity Act) has
had margainal success due to several factors including poor
infrastructure, lack of credit and not meeting the goal imposed by
Washington. It also found that within the Bureau that Somalia is the hot
button issue but in the grassroots here in the US the Militia Activites
are a rising concern as well.
This report is a good news/bad news for the Administration. Africa does
have high hopes and expectations of the President. The Military Command
is better funded for some missions. Morale is low but the job is
increasingly become more and more crucial on a daily basis. Nothing
changes poor morale like having some successes. Clearly the State
Department needs some when it comes to Africa.
(The author can be reached at confusedeagleusa@yahoo.com)
Date: 05/07/2009 Description: Assistant Secretary for African Affairs
Johnnie Carson State Dept Photo
<http://www.state.gov/img/09/32345/biopic_120_1.jpg>
