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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Impact in Africa [Updated April 11, 2022]
From the Document: "As of April 2022, most countries in sub-Saharan Africa ('Africa') had emerged from a fourth COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] wave--primarily driven by the Omicron variant, first detected in Botswana in late 2021--and were reporting relatively low caseloads. Citing these trends and increased treatment capacity in many countries, World Health Organization (WHO) officials have expressed optimism that Africa 'can control the pandemic in 2022.' [...] COVID-19 has exacerbated health system challenges in many African countries, disrupting routine immunizations, diagnosis and treatment of other diseases, maternal and child health care, and other health services. The pandemic has intensified food insecurity (especially in areas with conflicts or natural disasters) and prompted long school closures without virtual options in some countries. The initial economic impact in Africa was severe and pushed tens of millions more people into extreme poverty, according to the World Bank. The pandemic cratered global demand and prices for Africa's oil and mineral exports, disrupted trade and tourism, stemmed remittances from African workers abroad, and prompted local lockdown measures. Most African economies began to recover in 2021, buoyed in some cases by rising commodity prices, but growth rates appear unlikely to reverse increases in poverty and debt. The regional outlook remains uncertain."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Cook, Nicolas
2022-04-11
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Democratic Republic of Congo: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated March 25, 2022]
From the Introduction: "President Félix Tshisekedi's inauguration in 2019 represented DRC's [Democratic Republic of Congo] first-ever electoral transfer of power and reset DRC's relations with the United States and other Western donors. These had grown acrimonious under Tshisekedi's predecessor, Joseph Kabila, once hailed as a peacemaker, who in his later years in office oversaw election delays, violent suppression of opposition protests, allegedly extensive corruption, and burgeoning conflicts throughout the country. U.S. officials heralded Tshisekedi's presidency despite stated concerns about the electoral process that brought him to office, and Tshisekedi has since pursued close ties with the United States. President Tshisekedi has sought donor support to reform state institutions and improve social services, launched a review of state mining contracts, pursued a diplomatic rapprochement with neighboring countries, and sought to position DRC (with its extensive tropical forests) as a global player on climate change issues. Whether his stated goals are likely to advance or stall ahead of elections slated for 2023 is uncertain; progress to date has been slow. Observers debate whether the president and key supporters are motivated primarily by a commitment to reforms, or by a desire to capture the state and its resources, as previous heads of state arguably did. DRC's challenges are stark. The country is rich in minerals, forest resources, and agricultural and hydroelectric potential, but most Congolese live in poverty."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2022-03-25
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Coup-Related Restrictions in U.S. Foreign Aid Appropriations [Updated February 24, 2022]
From the Document: "Recent events in Burkina Faso, Sudan, Guinea, Burma, and Mali have brought attention to a provision that has appeared in annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations legislation since 1986 that restricts U.S. foreign assistance following a coup d'état. [...] In its current form (P.L. 116-260, Division K, extended into FY2022 by continuing resolution), Section 7008 states that: None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to titles III through VI of this Act shall be obligated or expended to finance directly any assistance to the government of any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup d'etat or decree or, after the date of enactment of this Act, a coup d'etat or decree in which the military plays a decisive role: Provided, That assistance may be resumed to such government if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that subsequent to the termination of assistance a democratically elected government has taken office: Provided further, That the provisions of this section shall not apply to assistance to promote democratic elections or public participation in democratic processes: Provided further, That funds made available pursuant to the previous provisos shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. Key elements in determining whether Section 7008 restrictions apply to a situation are: [1] whether a country's military has overthrown, or played a decisive role in overthrowing, the government, and [2] whether the deposed leader was 'duly elected,' a term not defined in statute. [...] As Congress considers SFOPS appropriations for FY2022 and beyond, it may revisit Section 7008 and consider whether its application supports congressional intent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Chesser, Susan G.
2022-02-24
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Burkina Faso [Updated February 23, 2022]
From the Document: "Burkina Faso has a history of military intervention in politics and social unrest. Kaboré's election in 2015 capped a political transition after mass protests, backed by some military commanders, ousted semi-authoritarian President Blaise Compaoré. A towering figure in West African politics, Compaoré had come to power in a 1987 coup; his attempt to evade term limits again by changing the constitution sparked the protests that unseated him. A counter-coup by Compaoré loyalists nearly derailed the civilian-led transition, but protesters and conventional army units induced the coup leaders to stand down. [...] Burkina Faso enjoyed relative peace and stability prior to 2016, when an Islamist insurgency known as Ansarul Islam emerged in the rural north and regional Al Qaeda affiliates claimed a large attack in Ouagadougou that killed 30 people, including an American. [...]In mid-2020, U.S. officials publicly threatened to suspend security assistance unless Burkinabè authorities addressed human rights concerns. As noted above, abuses appeared to decrease. The FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act required the executive branch to submit a 'plan to address gross violations of human rights and civilian harm' in Burkina Faso and other Sahel countries (P.L. 116-283, §1294). A plan was submitted to Congress in June 2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2022-02-23
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'An Epidemic of Coups' in Africa? Issues for Congress [February 11, 2022]
From the Document: "Military officers have seized power in five African countries since 2020 [...], part of a trend the U.N. Secretary-General has termed [hyperlink] 'an epidemic of coups.' While military coups have long shaped African politics, their frequency peaked during the Cold War [hyperlink]. A more recent wave occurred in Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger in 2008-2012, but regional tolerance seemed to decline. Recent coups challenge U.S. efforts to promote democracy and stability in Africa, complicate counterterrorism cooperation with several countries, and threaten a fragile post-authoritarian transition in Sudan that successive U.S. Administrations and Congress have supported [hyperlink]. They also raise fears of 'contagion [hyperlink],' especially in West Africa [hyperlink]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Arieff, Alexis
2022-02-11
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Burkina Faso [Updated January 26, 2022]
From the Document: "On January 24, 2022, military officers ousted President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré--the first head of state in Burkina Faso to have entered office via elections--amid a worsening security and humanitarian crisis. The military's actions came amid rising tensions over the government's inability to stem Islamist insurgent attacks, and followed coups in Mali and Guinea. Regional and Western leaders have struggled to respond to the spread of conflicts in the Sahel region and democratic backsliding. Donors have also raised concerns with the recent arrival of Russian military contractors in Mali; some in Burkina Faso have called for increased Russian security assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2022-01-26
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Impact in Africa [Updated December 22, 2021]
From the Document: "In December 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned of a 'fourth wave' of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] cases across much of Africa, notably in southern Africa. This followed South Africa's genomic identification and notification to international health authorities of the new 'Omicron' variant, first detected in Botswana. Public fatigue with infection control measures, the Delta variant, and low vaccination rates helped drive earlier waves of cases in many African countries in 2021. Omicron's rapid spread prompted countries around the world (including the United States) to restrict travel from southern Africa, which African leaders decried as punitive and discriminatory. Overall, confirmed cases and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa (hereinafter, 'Africa') have been lower than in other world regions and concentrated in a few countries, with the majority in South Africa (Figure 1). As access to testing has been low in many countries, some health experts posit that actual caseloads and mortality may be higher."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Cook, Nicolas . . .
2021-12-22
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Tunisia: In Brief [Updated November 1, 2021]
From the Summary: "A decade after a popular uprising in Tunisia set off the 'Arab Spring,' Tunisia's ability to sustain the sole democratic political system to emerge from that wave of regional unrest is now in question. On July 25, 2021, amid political gridlock and economic and health crises, President Kaïs Saïed unilaterally dismissed the prime minister and suspended parliament. He then asserted the right to rule by decree and an intent to amend the constitution and electoral law. Saïed's assertion of sweeping executive powers has fueled uncertainty about the future of Tunisia's democracy, which successive U.S. Administrations and Congress have sought to foster. Tunisian reactions to the president's actions have varied amid shared concerns about economic suffering, partisan infighting, police abuses, and the dismissed prime minister's ineffective response to an acute wave of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in mid-2021. Polls suggest that President Saïed remains popular, particularly in comparison to his political opponents. In September and October, thousands of Tunisians turned out in rival protests for and against the president. It is unclear whether Tunisia is likely to return to a democratic political system, move further into presidential authoritarianism, or experience greater instability if the economy worsens and tensions among political factions escalate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2021-11-01
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Coup-Related Restrictions in U.S. Foreign Aid Appropriations [Updated October 26, 2021]
From the Document: "Recent events in Sudan, Guinea, Burma, and Mali have brought attention to a provision that has appeared in annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations legislation since 1986 that restricts U.S. foreign assistance following a coup d'état."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Chesser, Susan G.
2021-10-26
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'Tunisia: Examining the State of Democracy and Next Steps for U.S. Policy', Testimony of Alexis Arieff, Before Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism, U.S. House of Representatives, October 12, 2021
This is the October 12, 2021 testimony of Alexis Arieff on "'Tunisia: Examining the State of Democracy and Next Steps for U.S. Policy,'" before the House Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the Statement of Alexis Arieff: "My statement provides an overview of political, economic, and security issues in Tunisia, and summarizes U.S. relations and aid. I also identify several potential policy issues and challenges facing Congress as you look ahead."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2021-10-12
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Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking in Africa: An Overview [September 13, 2021]
From the Overview: "Wildlife poaching -- the illegal hunting or capture of wild animals -- occurs in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Africa), a biodiverse region. Poaching is a component of wildlife trafficking (i.e., illegal trade in wildlife). International demand, particularly from Asia, drives poaching and trafficking of certain high-profile African wildlife products, and threatens some species' long-term viability. The role of poaching and wildlife trafficking in reducing biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems, supporting transnational criminal and militant groups, spreading zoonotic diseases, and weakening the rule of law has prompted international concern and led some in the 117th Congress to propose legislation to address such challenges."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Regan, Katarina C.; Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Husted, Tomas F. . . .
2021-09-13
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Impact in Africa [Updated August 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Sub-Saharan Africa has confirmed fewer COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] cases and deaths per capita than other regions, but many countries have faced a deadlier third wave of cases since mid-2021. As of July 2021, southern African countries had the highest per-capita caseloads (and had also administered the most tests). Public health experts have expressed acute concerns about the regional surge in both cases and deaths, which they attribute to the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant and public fatigue with infection control restrictions. Most governments in Africa have struggled to secure vaccines. Total cumulative confirmed cases and deaths remain concentrated in a handful of countries, led by South Africa. Studies suggest that case data may be underreported in many countries, and experts warn that asymptomatic transmission may have hidden the scope of the spread while allowing for potential virus mutation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Cook, Nicolas . . .
2021-08-04
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Crisis in Mali [Updated July 14, 2021]
From the Document: "Once seen as a democratic leader, Mali has become an epicenter of regional conflict and instability over the past decade. The military's ouster of the elected president in August 2020 highlighted governance failings and deepened political uncertainty. In May 2021, the same soldiers overthrew the transitional civilian leaders whom they had put in place, after chafing at Transition President Bah N'Daw's effort to replace two junta members as cabinet ministers. The leader of both coups, Colonel Assimi Goïta, has replaced N'Daw as Transition President; allied officers hold four cabinet posts and lead the transitional legislature. Under regional pressure, Goïta has promised elections in February 2022 in which he will not be a candidate, but observers question his commitment. Transitional leaders also have pledged a constitutional referendum to advance the government's 2015 peace deal with northern rebels"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2021-07-14
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Crisis in the Central African Republic [July 8, 2021]
From the Document: "The Central African Republic (CAR) remains beset by violence and humanitarian suffering despite international stabilization efforts, two national elections, and multiple peace processes over the past decade. Growing Russian involvement in CAR's defense and mining sectors has raised U.S. policy concerns as a potential model for Russian penetration in Africa. U.N. agencies reported in mid-2021 that 2.8 million people in CAR (over 50%) required humanitarian assistance and over 700,000 were internally displaced, while nearly 700,000 more were refugees in nearby countries. These figures have increased in recent months. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought new health and economic challenges, though CAR has identified (and tested) fewer cases than many other countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2021-07-08
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Algeria [Updated July 6, 2021]
From the Document: "More than two years after nationwide protests forced longstanding President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down, questions remain about the future of Algeria's political system and state-centric economy, which revolves around oil and gas exports. President Abelmadjid Tebboune (75), a former prime minister, was elected in late 2019 to succeed Bouteflika, but some observers question his legitimacy and influence within the complex elite networks known in Algeria as 'le pouvoir' ('the powers that be'). Tebboune won nearly 60% of the vote but turnout was under 40%; his reputed patron, army chief of staff General Ahmed Gaïd Salah, died soon after; and the president spent months in hospitals abroad after contracting COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] in late 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Collins, Sarah R.
2021-07-06
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Algeria [Updated June 23, 2021]
From the Document: "More than two years after nationwide protests forced longstanding President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down, questions remain about the future of Algeria's political system and state-centric economy, which revolves around oil and gas exports. President Abelmadjid Tebboune (75), a former prime minister, was elected in late 2019 to succeed Bouteflika, but some observers question his legitimacy and influence within the complex elite networks known in Algeria as 'le pouvoir' ('the powers that be'). Tebboune won nearly 60% of the vote but turnout was under 40%; his reputed patron, army chief of staff General Ahmed Gaïd Salah, died soon after; and the president spent months in hospitals abroad after contracting COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] in late 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Collins, Sarah R.
2021-06-23
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Congress and the Middle East, 2011-2020: Selected Case Studies [May 21, 2021]
From the Summary: "Congress shaped U.S. national security policy toward several critical crises and contingencies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) during the decade from 2011 through 2020--a period of upheaval, conflict, and change in that region. [...] Congress may examine the experiences over the decade to assess the results of its use of legislative tools to influence U.S. foreign policy. Analysis of case studies of various specific legislative interventions in specific events and countries shows use of a range of congressional policy tools with varied outcomes. Key considerations include how chosen congressional policy tools relate to executive branch-led foreign relations initiatives and the effects that country- and context-specific factors may have on policy results."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.; Arieff, Alexis; Humud, Carla E. . . .
2021-05-21
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Chad: Implications of President Déby's Death and Transition [April 26, 2021]
From the Document: "Chad's President Idriss Déby, a former army chief who seized power in a rebellion in 1990, was pronounced dead on April 20, 2021, reportedly from battlefield injuries, one week after an election that would have given him a sixth term in office. He reportedly was wounded in a visit to the frontline where his troops were defending against a Chadian rebel advance launched from neighboring Libya. An army spokesman gave notice of Déby's death on state television, announcing the dissolution of the government and the National Assembly and the formation of a military council led by Déby's son, General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, aka [also known as] Mahamat Kaka. The military council has proposed, in contravention of the constitution, to lead Chad for an 18-month transitional period before elections are held. Déby, one of the world's longest ruling heads of state, was an influential leader on the continent (his former foreign minister serves as theAfrican Union's top diplomat), in part due to the prowess of Chad's military. The United States, France, and neighboring Nigeria, among others, viewed him as a key counterterrorism partner. Chad's regional military interventions under Deby raised his international status, and by some accounts helped to deflect Western donor concerns over repression, human rights abuses, and corruption."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Arieff, Alexis; Blanchard, Christopher M. . . .
2021-04-26
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Coup-Related Restrictions in U.S. Foreign Aid Appropriations [Updated April 21, 2021]
From the Document: "Events over the past year in Burma and Mali have brought attention to a provision that has appeared in annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations legislation since 1986 that restricts U.S. foreign assistance following a coup d'état."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Chesser, Susan G.
2021-04-21
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Impact in Africa [Updated March 5, 2021]
From the Document: "Sub-Saharan Africa ('Africa') has confirmed far fewer COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] cases and deaths per capita than many other regions to date, but a second, deadlier wave of cases has hit many African countries since late 2020. Confirmed cases remain concentrated in a handful of countries, led by South Africa. South Africa also has conducted the most COVID-19 tests in absolute terms, and in late 2020 discovered a new, more virulent variant of the virus that has spread worldwide. Africa's estimated case fatality rate surpassed the global average in early 2021, possibly due, in part, to the emergence of new virus variants."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Cook, Nicolas . . .
2021-03-05
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Morocco-Israel Normalization and U.S. Policy Change on Western Sahara [December 15, 2020]
From the Document: "On December 10, President Trump announced that Morocco would normalize relations with Israel, and that the United States was recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Morocco affirmed that normalization will include 'official contacts with counterparts and diplomatic relations as soon as possible,' direct flights, and economic and technical cooperation. How quickly these commitments might advance remains to be seen. Morocco's willingness to normalize relations with Israel follows similar moves by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in September 2020, and comes after Sudan in October announced tentative plans to do so. Arab government decisions formally to normalize relations with Israel have generally come after years of discreet coordination to counter common concerns such as Iran and Islamist populist movements (including the Muslim Brotherhood). These developments raise questions about the future of cooperation and rivalry among key actors in the Middle East, U.S. arms sales to the region, Saudi Arabia's willingness to follow suit, and Arab state support for Palestinian national demands."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Zanotti, Jim; Williams, Brock R.
2020-12-15
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Burkina Faso [Updated December 10, 2020]
From the Document: "Burkina Faso has become a stark symbol of worsening security trends in West Africa's Sahel region. Since 2016, Islamist insurgent groups have asserted control over parts of the country and carried out terrorist attacks in the capital, Ouagadougou. Some have ties to the conflict in neighboring Mali, and to Al Qaeda or the Islamic State. The government has struggled to counter insurgent gains despite international backing and military aid, while state security forces and militia groups have been implicated in severe human rights abuses. The conflict has crippled health and education systems in parts of the country and deepened food insecurity. Over a million Burkinabè were internally displaced as of late 2020, nearly double the number a year earlier, according to U.N. data. The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has also brought new health and economic hardships."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2020-12-10
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Crisis in Mali [Updated October 21, 2020]
From the Document: "The military's ouster of Mali's elected president in August 2020 heightened political uncertainty amid severe security, governance, and humanitarian challenges. Under pressure from economic sanctions imposed by West African leaders, the junta agreed to hand power to a nominally civilian-led transitional government, with retired military officer and former defense minister Bah N'Daw serving as President and former foreign minister Moctar Ouane as Prime Minister. Junta leader Col. Assimi Goïta was named Vice President, a new position, and military officers are serving in four key cabinet posts. The transitional administration is expected to organize elections within 18 months."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2020-10-21
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Crisis in Mali [Updated September 18, 2020]
From the Background: "Mali has been mired in crisis since 2012, when state institutions nearly collapsed in the face of a northern separatist rebellion, a military coup, and an Islamist insurgent advance. After junior military officers seized power from an elected president, northern rebels--fueled by arms from Libya and bolstered by fighters with ties to Algerian-led Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)--declared an independent state of 'Azawad.' By mid-2012, AQIM and two loosely aligned groups had outmaneuvered the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) to assert control over most of the north. France intervened militarily against the Islamists in early 2013, at which point the MNLA and other factions (re-)asserted control in some areas. MINUSMA deployed in mid-2013, and Kéïta won elections later that year, marking the end of Mali's post-coup political transition. The 2012 coup leader, Capt. Amadou Haya Sanogo, faces charges for the murder of rival soldiers, but his trial has been delayed repeatedly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2020-09-18
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Ebola Outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Emergencies or Enduring Threat? [Updated September 10, 2020]
From the Introduction: "On June 25, 2020, a nearly two-year Ebola virus outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was declared over, after claiming the lives of nearly 2,300 people. A new outbreak emerged the same month in the west of the country, marking the 11th documented Ebola outbreak in the country since the virus was first identified in DRC in 1976. [...] The prolonged battle to contain the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, coupled with what appear to be more frequent outbreaks in the country, raise questions about the allocation of U.S. global health resources and bilateral aid for DRC. Vaccines and therapeutics are potential game-changers, yet health system weaknesses, community mistrust, and barriers to humanitarian access remain obstacles. Among the issues that Congress might consider include the relative ranking of U.S. global health priorities in the context of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], the implications of frequent Ebola outbreaks for the global health security agenda, and lessons learned from DRC about pandemic response in complex conflict settings. If responding to and preventing Ebola outbreaks remain congressional priorities, Congress might also consider how such efforts may be funded."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji; Arieff, Alexis
2020-09-10
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Impact in Africa [Updated August 20, 2020]
From the Document: "As of August 2020, confirmed COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] cases and deaths per capita in Sub-Saharan Africa ('Africa') continued to lag other regions. Cases also remained concentrated in a handful of countries, led by South Africa -- which has conducted the most COVID-19 tests by far -- although cases were rising quickly in many locations. In general, World Health Organization (WHO) scientists have predicted that COVID-19 may spread more slowly in Africa than in some regions due to social and environmental factors, including poor transportation infrastructure. At the same time, cases are likely underreported, as testing has been hampered by capacity constraints and the refusal of a few governments to track or publish data. Low death rates may be attributable to Africa's young populations, although the full effects of COVID-19 comorbidity with conditions such as HIV/AIDS and malnutrition remain to be seen."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Cook, Nicolas . . .
2020-08-20
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Coup-Related Restrictions in U.S. Foreign Aid Appropriations [Updated August 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Events in August 2020 in Mali have focused renewed attention on a provision that has appeared in annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations legislation since 1986 that restricts U.S. foreign assistance following a coup d'état. The provision intends to discourage and express U.S. disapproval of militaries seizing control of governments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Chesser, Susan G.
2020-08-20
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Algeria [Updated July 28, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic largely halted a yearlong mass protest movement in early 2020, but questions remain about the future of Algeria's political system. Defining features have included a strong presidency and security apparatus, a state-centric economy with an oligarchic business class, and social welfare programs fueled by oil and natural gas revenues. In early 2019, then-President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was forced to abandon his reelection bid, and then to resign, amid swelling protests and a public withdrawal of support from then-chief of defense staff General Ahmed Gaïd Salah. Senate leader Abdelkader Bensalah became interim head of state pending elections for a new president, consistent with the constitution, although the vote was delayed past constitutional timelines. Gaïd Salah then appeared to consolidate influence at the expense of the powerful and sometimes rival military intelligence service (which Bouteflika had brought under the presidency's control) and of top business and ruling party figures, many of whom were prosecuted on corruption or national security grounds."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2020-07-28
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Morocco: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated June 23, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Successive U.S. Administrations have viewed Morocco as an important regional partner on security, trade, and development. Historically warm ties expanded after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when President George W. Bush sought the cooperation of Arab governments in countering terrorism. His Administration designated Morocco a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2004 and concluded a bilateral Free Trade Agreement the same year, which Congress authorized under P.L. 108-302. The United States has continued to build strong relations with the kingdom under President Obama and President Trump, notwithstanding occasional friction over the issue of Western Sahara, a disputed territory that Morocco claims and largely administers. High-level meetings regularly occur, including via a U.S.-Morocco Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (see 'U.S. Relations')."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2020-06-23
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U.S. Assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa: An Overview [May 20, 2020]
From the Overview: "Congress authorizes, appropriates, and oversees U.S. assistance to sub-Saharan Africa ('Africa'), which received over a quarter of U.S. aid obligated in FY2018. Annual State Department- and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-administered assistance to Africa increased more than five-fold over the past two decades, primarily due to sizable increases in global health spending and more incremental growth in economic and security assistance. State Department and USAID-administered assistance allocated to African countries from FY2019 appropriations totaled roughly $7.1 billion. This does not include considerable U.S. assistance provided to Africa via global accounts, such as emergency humanitarian aid and certain kinds of development, security, and health aid. The United States channels additional funds to Africa through multilateral bodies, such as the United Nations and World Bank."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Husted, Tomas F.; Arieff, Alexis; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch . . .
2020-05-20
