Chihombori-Quao: USAID was ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’ in Africa

The Demise of USAID: A Cause for Celebration in Africa?

The former African Union Ambassador to the United States, Arikana Chihombori-Quao, has sparked a lively debate with her controversial assertion that the end of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under President Donald Trump’s administration should be celebrated by Africans. In a recent interview with Steve Clemons, Chihombori-Quao argued that the demise of USAID is far from a tragedy for the continent. Instead, she believes it presents an opportunity for African nations to break free from decades of foreign interference disguised as aid. According to her, USAID’s involvement in Africa has been more about advancing a “major meddling agenda” than genuinely uplifting the continent. She contends that after decades of funding education and healthcare projects, USAID has little tangible progress to show for its efforts.

The Limited Impact of USAID in Africa

Chihombori-Quao’s critique of USAID centers on its lack of meaningful achievements in Africa. Despite billions of dollars invested in education and healthcare initiatives, many African countries still grapple with inadequate infrastructure, poor healthcare systems, and high levels of poverty. She questions the effectiveness of USAID’s projects, suggesting that they have failed to address the root causes of Africa’s developmental challenges. Instead, these initiatives often serve as tools for political influence, enabling the U.S. government to shape policies and priorities in African nations. Chihombori-Quao’s argument resonates with many who believe that foreign aid, while well-intentioned, often perpetuates dependency and undermines local autonomy.

USAID’s Role in Destabilization

One of the most damning aspects of Chihombori-Quao’s critique is her assertion that USAID has destabilized African countries under the guise of promoting environmental, human rights, or social justice agendas. She points to instances where aid programs have been used to interfere in domestic politics, often aligning with U.S. foreign policy objectives rather than the needs of African populations. For example, she highlights how environmental initiatives have sometimes been used to restrict African nations from exploiting their natural resources, undermining their economic development. Similarly, human rights and social justice programs have occasionally been weaponized to criticize governments that do not align with U.S. interests, leading to political instability. In her view, this undermining of African sovereignty has done more harm than good.

A New Era of African Self-Reliance?

Chihombori-Quao’s bold stance is not just about criticizing USAID; it is also a call to action for African leaders to take charge of their continent’s destiny. She believes that the demise of USAID presents an opportunity for African nations to redefine their relationships with the West and focus on self-reliance. Rather than relying on foreign aid, African countries should invest in building their own capacities, fostering economic partnerships, and strengthening regional cooperation. Chihombori-Quao’s vision for Africa is one of empowerment, where the continent no longer depends on external actors to solve its problems. She argues that this shift would not only restore African dignity but also lead to more sustainable and inclusive development.

The Need for Mutually Respectful Relationships

Chihombori-Quao also addresses the broader issue of U.S.-Africa relations, emphasizing that a relationship between nations must be based on mutual respect and equality. She dismisses the idea that African leaders should beg for better relations with the U.S., asserting, “It takes two to tango.” If the U.S. is not genuinely interested in partnering with Africa, she argues, African leaders should not chase after a relationship that is one-sided or exploitative. Instead, they should focus on building alliances that serve African interests and promote shared prosperity. Chihombori-Quao’s message is a powerful reminder that Africa’s future should be shaped by Africans themselves, not by external powers with their own agendas.

Conclusion: A Call to Rethink Foreign Aid

Arikana Chihombori-Quao’s fiery critique of USAID and her vision for African self-reliance have ignited a necessary conversation about the role of foreign aid on the continent. While USAID has provided financial support to various African nations, its perceived meddling and lack of tangible results have led many to question its value. Chihombori-Quao’s argument is not against international cooperation or development assistance but against aid that undermines African sovereignty and fails to address the continent’s real needs. Her call for African leaders to embrace self-reliance and seek mutually beneficial partnerships is a bold step toward a more empowered and independent Africa. As the continent moves forward, it is crucial to rethink the role of foreign aid and envision a future where African nations are the architects of their own destiny.