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Carine Kaneza Nantulya (Human Rights Watch) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S.-Burundi relations and why the Biden administration should engage on human rights and democracy issues to ensure Burundi’s next elections are free, fair, and transparent. Plus, why Burundian royal drummers—accompanied by Jennifer Hudson—should be incorporated into the next state visit to Washington, D.C.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Christopher Fomunyoh (National Democratic Institute) to talk U.S. policy toward Cameroon. They discuss how the Biden administration should approach the country’s Anglophone crisis—including by appointing an envoy—and why Washington should implement its own strategy toward Cameroon while working with France and Central African states on a shared strategy to address ongoing challenges. Plus, why Cameroon is known as “Africa in miniature.”

Mvemba Dizolele (CSIS) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S. policy toward the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Mvemba explains why the Biden administration should shift its focus from humanitarian crisis to political crisis in the DRC, and recommends that Washington prioritize security sector reform and trade and investment with U.S. companies. Plus, a quick run-down on the Society of Ambience-Makers and Elegant People (Le Sape), a Congolese subculture known for stylish dressers in Congo’s capital Kinshasa and the Republic of Congo’s Brazzaville.

Ambassador Robin Renee Sanders joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S. policy toward the Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville or Congo-B. Ambassador Sanders recommends that the Biden administration engage current President Denis Sassou on a two-three-year plan to transition out of office, as well as maintain support for security initiatives in the country. Plus, we hear a bit about the significance of art—and paintings in particular—in the Republic of Congo.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Mvemba Dizolele (CSIS) to discuss U.S.-Rwandan relations, including why the Biden administration should continue constructive engagement with Kigali while balancing smart carrots and sticks. Mvemba recommends that the United States support a reconciliation agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and discusses what the debut of the NBA’s “Basketball Africa League” in Kigali earlier this year tells us about Rwanda’s global ambitions.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Mathias Hounkpe (OSIWA) to discuss U.S.-Benin relations. Mathias shares his vision for the Biden strategy toward the coastal West African state, including a shift of resources toward human rights and democratization as well as support on health, electrification, and seaport security. Mathias also stresses the critical need for Washington to protect its democratic identity at home, particularly as it engages on democratization issues in Africa. Plus, they discuss two prominent Beninese figures: singer-songwriter and feminist Angélique Kidjo, nicknamed “Africa’s premier diva” by Time Magazine, and the late Isidore de Souza, a priest who helped bring democracy to Benin in the late 20th century.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ambassador Jorge Tolentino, former Foreign Minister of Cabo Verde, to discuss U.S. relations with the West African island-country. Ambassador Tolentino explains how the Biden administration can work with Cabo Verde to modernize its defense and national security model, which has remained unchanged since Cabo Verde’s independence in 1975. Plus, we hear about some of the rich connections between Cabo Verde and its vast diaspora in the United States and Europe.

Background Readings:

The Cape Verdean Blues (album), Horace Silver – Spotify

Paul Gonsalves (artist page) – Spotify

The Tavares Brothers (artist page) - Spotify

Ade Daramy (Promota Africa Magazine) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S.-Sierra Leone relations and how the Biden administration can prioritize a true partnership based on shared values, particularly the commitment to democracy. Plus, why the U.S. should provide athletic scholarships to Sierra Leoneans and how Sierra Leone—as a key site of the Atlantic slave trade—can better connect with its U.S. diaspora and Black Americans.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Dr. Ibrahima Aidara (OSIWA) to discuss U.S.-Senegalese relations, the perception of many Senegalese that Washington has been less vocal on democratic backsliding, corruption, and human rights abuses in the country, and what the Biden administration can focus on going forward (hint: health systems, education infrastructure, and renewable energy). Plus, Dr. Aidara describes the solemn significance of Senegal’s Gorée Island, the largest slave-trading site on the African coast between the 15th and 19th centuries.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ade Daramy to discuss U.S.-Gambian relations, including the role of the Peace Corps and the importance of agriculture-focused partnerships. They also discuss next steps for the Biden administration, including supporting the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, helping to rebuild the military, and directly supporting democracy-focused civil society organizations. Plus, Ade shares the story of how Gambia became The Gambia.