Mekelle, February 14, 2025 (Tigray Herald)
Overview of the Trump Administration’s Africa Policy and Strategic Approach to the Tigray Crisis
As of early 2025, the Trump administration has appointed key officials to spearhead its Africa policy, reflecting a renewed commitment to regional stability, counterterrorism, and democratic governance.
A central focus of this administration is addressing the Tigray crisis in Ethiopia,requiring a strategic approach to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape, including the role of the Tigray Interim Government and challenges posed by splinter groups.
Key Officials
J. Peter Pham
Expected to serve as the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Pham is a
distinguished scholar with extensive experience in African diplomacy. He previously held the position of U.S. Special Envoy for both the Sahel and the Great Lakes regions, leading high-level diplomatic efforts to promote political stability and counterterrorism initiatives.
His academic expertise in African security issues has earned him recognition as a key contributor to U.S. foreign policy in volatile regions.
Rudolph Atallah
Appointed to the White House’s counterterrorism team, Atallah is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with deep expertise in African security matters. His military career included significant intelligence and counterterrorism roles across the continent. Post-retirement, he has
actively contributed to initiatives combating terrorism in Africa, offering strategic insights to both governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Tibor Nagy
Returning to the State Department in an advisory capacity, Nagy previously served as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. His extensive diplomatic career includes ambassadorships to Ethiopia and Guinea, where he played a critical role in navigating complex political landscapes and advancing U.S. strategic interests. Known for his pragmatic negotiation skills and deep understanding of African geopolitics, Nagy remains a key figure in shaping U.S.-Africa
relations.
Joe Foltz
Favored for the role of National Security Council Senior Director for Africa, Foltz brings
significant experience from the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he focused on
countering Russian and Chinese influence in Africa. His work emphasizes strengthening
U.S.-Africa relations, advancing democratic governance, and securing American strategic
interests on the continent.
Marco Rubio
Serving as Secretary of State, Rubio plays a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy toward Africa, with a particular emphasis on the Horn of Africa. Recognized for his advocacy of human rights and proactive U.S. engagement abroad, his leadership is expected to significantly influence the administration’s approach to Africa. Rubio has championed deeper economic partnerships with African nations and has been vocal about addressing regional security
challenges.
U.S. Policy on the Pretoria Peace Agreement and the Tigray Crisis
The administration has introduced a policy framework centered on:
Full Implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement
The U.S. calls for the unconditional execution of all provisions of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, recognizing it as the foundation for lasting peace in the region. This includes the cessation of hostilities, disarmament of combatants, and the establishment of sustainable political dialogue
mechanisms.
Preservation of Tigray’s Territorial Integrity
The policy underscores the need to respect Tigray’s territorial boundaries as defined by the Ethiopian Federal Constitution. This stance is critical to ensuring regional stability and upholding legal and political certainty. The U.S. emphasizes the importance of maintaining constitutional provisions to prevent further territorial disputes.
Return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
A key priority is facilitating the safe and voluntary return of IDPs to their homes. The U.S.
advocates for immediate measures to ensure humanitarian access, protect displaced
populations, and address the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict.
Diplomatic Leverage on the Ethiopian Federal Government The administration plans to employ a range of diplomatic tools—including economic incentives, multilateral engagement, and targeted diplomatic pressure—to compel the Ethiopian Federal
Government to fully implement the Pretoria Peace Agreement, respect Tigray’s territorial
integrity, and safeguard the rights of affected civilians. This approach is designed to ensure
accountability and adherence to international obligations.
Tigray’s Strategic Diplomatic Approach and Geopolitical Considerations
Recent developments highlight the critical role of the Tigray Interim Government as the
legitimate authority in the region. In contrast, splinter groups have failed to establish sustainable governance, with some factions exacerbating tensions by politicizing elements within the military. Such actions risk undermining diplomatic efforts and exacerbating regional instability.
To address these challenges, a strategic diplomatic approach for Tigray must include
Recognition of Legitimacy and Governance
The U.S. and international partners should recognize and support the Tigray Interim
Government as the primary interlocutor in peace negotiations. Marginalizing destabilizing factions is essential to curbing the influence of groups that seek to undermine security by
militarizing politics.
Adapting to New Geopolitical Dynamics
Diplomatic strategies must be aligned with the evolving geopolitical landscape, where internal divisions intersect with external influences. This includes proactive engagement with regional stakeholders and key international allies—such as the U.S., UK, European Union, and Israel—to reinforce a stable governance framework in Tigray. Strengthening political institutions
and fostering democratic reforms are crucial to long-term stability.
Preventing Dangerous Precedents
Diplomatic initiatives must be carefully crafted to avoid legitimizing splinter factions or inadvertently promoting the militarization of political disputes. Establishing clear, enforceable diplomatic principles is vital to ensuring that peacebuilding efforts in Tigray do not set a precedent that could embolden similar destabilizing actions elsewhere.
Author: Peter Baile, Horn of African Observers.
