Canada and Africa

The Liberian government finds itself grappling with a troubling fiscal landscape. Recent cancellations of key initiatives backed by USAID, the U.S. agency renowned for its global development efforts, have exacerbated an already precarious situation. With the current U.S. administration opting for a 90-day hiatus to reevaluate the agency’s initiatives, the ripple effects are being keenly felt in Liberia. Finance Minister Augustine Ngafua has been vocal about the ramifications of these funding cuts. He noted with palpable…

In recent developments, the U.S. government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the allocation and impact of past aid distributed to Nigeria and other nations. This initiative follows an unexpected decision made by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, to suspend all foreign aid for a period of 90 days. The suspension, marked by concerns regarding global destabilization and the perceived misalignment of aid with American strategic interests, raises questions that demand careful consideration. Such a…

In recent years, the landscape of global funding has been tumultuous, prompting African nations to grapple with the consequences of dwindling foreign aid. The ripple effects of changes in American policy, particularly under the Trump administration, pose a grave threat to essential health, education, and economic stability initiatives crucial for various countries on the continent. A notable example is President Donald Trump's executive order, which quelled new government spending on foreign assistance for a staggering 90…

The diplomatic ties between South Africa and the United States have recently taken a sharp turn toward tension. Central to this escalating strain is a dramatic clash between two notable figures: Elon Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur and advisor to former President Trump, and Julius Malema, the fiery leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Tensions came to a head when Musk, calling Malema an "international criminal," demanded sanctions against him for incendiary remarks during a rally. These remarks included the…

In a recent outcry, civil society organizations have expressed their profound concern regarding statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump, which they label as "dangerous lies and threats." Their statement articulates a robust rejection of Trump's assertions that South Africa is engaging in land confiscation and systematically mistreating select groups of people. To many, the very notion seems not only unfounded but absurd, particularly when such claims emerge from high echelons of the U.S. government. This backlash…

In a striking move, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning regarding aid to South Africa, asserting that he might halt all assistance due to concerns over the nation’s land expropriation policies. He characterized these measures as “unfair,” claiming they enable the government to seize land indiscriminately while treating certain individuals and communities “very badly.” This bold declaration follows a significant political shift in South Africa, where President Cyril Ramaphosa recently advanced the…

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up its efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, a move that signals a new era of stringent immigration enforcement as the Trump administration takes the reins. If you thought the conversation around immigration was heated before, just wait—things are about to get spicier. Among African nations, Somalia tops the list with a staggering 4,090 of its citizens facing deportation. It’s a sobering statistic that casts a long shadow over the political landscape.…

On January 20, 2025, an executive order from the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the philanthropic world, as the U.S. government enacted an immediate freeze on foreign aid for a staggering 90 days. This bold decision ignited apprehension among aid organizations, leaving vulnerable communities in despair and shaking the foundations of essential programs tackling hunger, healthcare, and education. The reality is stark: lives depend on this assistance, and the abrupt halt threatens to pull the rug out from under…

A new era is dawning in the realm of U.S.-Africa relations, and one can almost hear the gears of change grinding into motion. Yet, before we pop the confetti, it's important to note that the current administration’s policies are still taking shape, and this process won’t yield fruit overnight. Still, the impact of several Executive Orders that Donald Trump signed in the nascent days of his presidency might just reverberate across the African continent like a thunderclap in a hot, muggy summer. During his Senate confirmation…

The return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office has cast a long shadow of uncertainty over Africa. As the 47th President of the United States, Trump’s policies could either build bridges or deepen divides, and the continent is bracing for what lies ahead. On one hand, there’s a flicker of hope illuminating the darker corners of apprehension. Trump's meteoric rise back to power signals a potential shake-up of the status quo, not just domestically but internationally as well. As he gears up for the 2024 election, he touts a…