Editorial Board

The U.S. Has a Big Stake in Africa's Success

American engagement should go beyond more drones in the air and boots on the ground.

May 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM UTC

By The Editorial Board

The Editorial Board publishes the views of the editors across a range of national and global affairs.

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Photographer: Ashraf Shazly/AFP/Getty Images

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Troops mutiny in Ivory Coast. Ebola resurfaces in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Zambia jails its most prominent opposition leader. Corruption deepens in South Africa.

These recent headlines are a reminder that terrorism and violent extremism aren't the only challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa. Yet the Trump administration shows little interest in the continent beyond this narrow concern. That's a mistake. The U.S. also has a stake in Africa's broader stability and prosperity.