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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.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Kamissa Camara (Tony Blair Institute & USIP) to talk through the history of U.S. policy toward Burkina Faso, how the Biden administration can grow economic opportunities in the country, and why you should travel to Ouagadougou to attend Fespaco, the largest African film festival in the world.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ambassador Phil Carter (Mead Hill Group) to discuss the history of U.S. diplomacy toward Côte d’Ivoire, why the Biden administration should prioritize the West African state as a lynchpin of development in the region, and how the United States can leverage sports diplomacy to advance U.S. objectives.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Kwasi Prempeh (CDD-Ghana) to discuss the history of U.S. policy toward Ghana, how the Biden administration can help strengthen local government, and why it’s critical that democracy be the economically competitive option for Africans. Plus, check out @CSISAfrica socials for a bonus video with Kwasi on Anansi the spider.

Anansi the Oldest of Animals - Spotify

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ambassador Phil Carter (Mead Hill Group) to discuss U.S.-Guinea policy. They explore the need for increased U.S. intervention in education and infrastructure, as well as a regional approach to mitigate violence and weak governance in both coastal West Africa and the Sahel. Ambassador Carter also discusses why addressing gender inequality—particularly female genital mutilation—is so critical in Guinea.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Gyude Moore (CGD) to discuss the U.S.-Liberia relationship, including ways the Biden administration can prioritize Liberia’s health sector, and why U.S. firms should compete in providing infrastructure and road paving deals to the Liberian government. Plus, Gyude explains why Liberia’s jollof rice beats out Nigeria’s, Ghana’s, and Sierra Leone’s.