US Africa Bureau Urged Diplomats to Highlight American Generosity Amid Aid Cuts

The head of the U.S. State Department's Bureau of African Affairs urged diplomats to emphasize American generosity in aid to African countries, even as the U.S. implements aid cuts, according to a leaked email obtained by The Guardian. The email, sent in January, instructed staff to "unabashedly and aggressively remind African governments about the generosity of the American people."

The directive, issued by the bureau's new boss, a former CIA analyst, encouraged diplomats to highlight U.S. contributions to containing HIV/AIDS and alleviating famine. "It’s not gauche to remind these countries of the American people’s generosity in containing HIVAids or alleviating famine," the email stated, "Rather, it’s essential to coun."

The leaked email reveals a shift towards prioritizing national interests in foreign aid strategy. The directive raises questions about the ethical implications of linking assistance to political leverage, according to The Guardian. The email suggests a strategy to counter negative narratives and advance U.S. interests in the region.

The request to emphasize American generosity comes at a time when the U.S. is implementing cuts to foreign aid programs. The email instructed staff to remind African governments of the "American people's generosity," even amidst these reductions.