The Foreign Service Journal, May 2004

USAID’s emerging strategy of favoring results-based pro- jects and expanding corporate and other private sector partnerships complemented the State approach. Concurrently, Africans were moving in the same direc- tion, with a small group of leaders proposing a mechanism (which evolved into the New Partnership for Africa’s Development) introducing a novel concept: African states which did not practice democracy and market-oriented economics should not benefit from the development assis- tance that NEPAD hoped to generate. The jury is still out as to whether or not this approach will go anywhere, but NEPAD — if correctly implemented — would be a good fit with the Bush administration’s “Millennium Challenge” proposal. For once, the United States, other major bilat- eral and multilateral donors, and the African states them- selves, while perhaps not marching to the same tune, are finally walking in the same direction. What Next? For the short term at least, Africa will remain vulner- able to unexpected disasters, but I am more optimistic now about the continent’s future than at any time since I started my long association. Below are some trends, along with my informal report card and some sugges- tions on how the U.S. can help assure a positive out- come in each case: • Conflicts . (Significant Improvement) One by one, Africa’s major conflicts have been ending. As I write this, it appears that the Sudan may soon achieve peace, and there are even hopes for Somalia. African states are more willing to be active in resolving their own conflicts — from serving as troop contributors, to considering pre-emptive scenarios if potential disasters appear. I believe this trend will accelerate, but needs external support. U.S. policy response. One of my greatest frustrations came when I was ambassador to Guinea and experienced first-hand the devastation wrought by a regional conflict (Sierra Leone in this case). Washington was reluctant to commit relatively few resources early (to stop the crisis before it fully developed), forcing it to provide signifi- F O C U S M A Y 2 0 0 4 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 21 The Embassy Plan Overseas Insurance Personal Auto & Contents Coverage Experience that helps you avoid the pitfalls of a highly complex business. Repeat business that results from providing what’s best for the customer not the agent nor the insurance company. Since 1969, Harry M. Jannette International has provided dependable coverage with U.S. carriers with a financial rating of A+ or higher to thousands of Foreign Service Personnel worldwide. Thus you gain the broadest U.S. terms and conditions and flexible value limits often not available from other insurance carriers. MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: SEE OUR WEBSITE APPLICATIONS Harry M. Jannette International, L.L.C. 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 585 Dallas, Texas 75251-1334 Toll Free (800) 256-5141 (972) 783-4915 Fax (972) 783-0545 E-mail: hmjintl@jannetteintl.com www.jannetteintl.com • WorldWide coverage Fire, theft, comprehensive and collision protection are available at foreign posts. • U.S. AUTO LIABILITY Available for short term on home leave, change of assignment, and new auto purchase prior to foreign departure. This coverage must be issued in combination with an “Embassy Plan” policy. • FOREIGN LIABILITY Contact your post for compliance with local laws, Excess liability limits are available over local liability coverage. • PERSONAL COVERAGE Household goods and transit, valuable articles, personal liability, life insurance . • EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE Employee association insurance Including directors and officers. Your Reliable Choice