Africa faces a complex combination of democratic backsliding, demographic pressures, entrenched poverty and climate change. The difficulty of addressing these challenges has been compounded by the impact of COVID-19, increasing terrorism and a legacy of weak or failed government responses. Prior to the pandemic, the continent was home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies. Africa’s wealth of critical natural resources also reflects its increasing progress and potential. Today, Africa presents an opportunity for renewed U.S. government engagement with countries in the region —  including the Democratic Republic of Congo — and key continental institutions like the African Union.

English

French

After being selected as the chair of the African Union this year, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo set an ambitious agenda for 2021 — ranging from the promotion of African culture to peacebuilding to COVID-19 vaccine distribution. 

On July 20, USIP hosted a discussion with President Tshisekedi and Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights that focused on a range of important issues confronting Africa, including strengthening democracy, human rights, economic growth, COVID vaccine availability and responding to peace and security challenges.

Continue the conversation on Twitter with #AfricaUSIP.

Speakers

Félix Antoine Tshilombo Tshisekedi 
President of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chair of the African Union  
@Presidence_RDC

Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA)
U.S. Representative; Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights
@RepKarenBass

Dr. Joseph Sany
Vice President, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace
@Josephsany1

Lise Grandeopening remarks
President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace

Related Publications

Can the DRC Hold Free and Fair Elections Amid Mass Displacement?

Can the DRC Hold Free and Fair Elections Amid Mass Displacement?

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

By: Wapoenje T. Dacruz Evora;  Elizabeth Murray

On December 20, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is holding its first elections since the peaceful — but contested — transfer of power in 2019 from former President Joseph Kabila to current President Felix Tshisekedi. The elections come amid a climate of instability throughout the country, underpinned by conflict in the eastern regions, economic and social crises, and mistrust between the government and opposition. USIP’s Wapoenje Dacruz Evora and Elizabeth Murray examine the major candidates and the issues most important to voters, the risk for violence during the electoral process, and whether free and fair elections are possible given the mass displacement of civilians in the eastern DRC.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & Governance

Challenging China’s Grip on Critical Minerals Can Be a Boon for Africa’s Future

Challenging China’s Grip on Critical Minerals Can Be a Boon for Africa’s Future

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

By: Edward A. Burrier;  Thomas P. Sheehy

Demand for the critical minerals powering the world’s clean-energy technologies, consumer goods and defense applications is skyrocketing. These metals are what the modern economy runs on: we need them for our phones, electric vehicles and satellites, and so much more. Forecasts estimate that in the coming decades, the world will need many times more cobalt, copper, lithium and manganese, among other minerals, than what is currently being produced.

Type: Analysis

EconomicsEnvironment

View All Publications