The United States has announced the suspension of several development aid programmes in Africa, triggering mixed reactions across the continent.
Since his return to the White House, Donald Trump has decided to suspend multiple U.S. development aid programmes targeting African nations.
The move has sparked contrasting responses as crucial projects are now left in limbo.
Senegal: $500 Million Funding Frozen
In Senegal, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, revealed that a $500 million; funding package from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has been suspended. The initiative, known as the “Senegal Power Compact,” was set to span five years.
In a statement broadcast by the news website Seneweb, Sonko remarked: “We cannot continue to rely on foreign aid. The day before yesterday, the new U.S. President announced a three-year suspension of all American development aid to poor countries, pending further review.”
South Africa: Land Reform Sparks Diplomatic Tensions
In South Africa, Washington’s decision comes amid an already tense political climate. Donald Trump has threatened to cut funding in response to a new land expropriation law. “South Africa is seizing land and treating certain groups of people VERY BADLY,” he declared.
President Cyril Ramaphosa sharply refuted these claims, emphasizing that the legislation is a constitutional legal process designed to ensure equitable land access. “We remain a constitutional democracy firmly anchored in the rule of law,” he stated.
Botswana: Concerns Over HIV/AIDS Fight
In Botswana, the suspension of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has raised alarm in the healthcare sector. Since 2003, the country has received over one billion pulas (approximately €70 million) to combat HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Christopher Nyanga underscored the programme’s critical role in making Botswana one of the first nations to achieve UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 targets.
Although the Ministry of Health has assured that access to antiretroviral drugs remains unaffected, several local organizations have already been instructed to halt operations. The Government of Botswana is planning discussions with the U.S. embassy to sustain the affected services.
A Shift in U.S.-Africa Relations?
The sweeping suspension of U.S. aid programmes across Africa marks a turning point in U.S.-Africa relations. While some view this as an opportunity for African nations to reduce dependency on foreign aid, others fear immediate repercussions on critical sectors such as energy, healthcare and agriculture
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