Rajiv Shah continues foreign aid budget fight in second annual letter – Rajiv Shah, the director of USAID, released a letter to the US public this week regarding USAID’s “progress and contributions to protecting American interests around the world.” Shah highlighted USAID’s work in North and East Africa and the agency’s role in promoting democracy and “long-term resilience through Feed the Future programs.” Shah also discussed agriculture development programs and USAID’s transition to channeling more aid through country systems. (Devex, Ivy Mungcal)
Senegal: holding back Africa “democracy recession” – Many see Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade’s run for a third presidential term as “a test for electoral democracy in the world’s poorest continent.” Supporters of democracy around the globe are beginning to “sound the alarm about what they see as a deterioration of … democratic gains,” and Senegal’s upcoming election will be closely scrutinized as it has the ability to destabilize the country and “exacerbate what many are calling a ‘democratic recession.’” (Reuters, Pascal Fletcher)
South Africa establishes first diplomatic ties with Somalia – South Africa has established diplomatic ties with Somalia “in hopes it can assist in the war torn East African nation’s search for peace and democracy.” The South African foreign ministry said that “only peace negotiations between all Somali armed groups could restore constitutional law.” (AP)
ICYMI: US pledges long-term help for Horn hunger – US officials pledged last week to “work for permanent solutions to ease hunger in the Horn of Africa,” warning that Somalia remains in a major crisis. Testifying before Congress, officials “credited better rains for the improved conditions and said the ultimate solution was to bring stability to lawless Somalia.” The US and other major donors will meet in Kenya in late March to support long-term plans for the Horn, including vaccinating livestock and encouraging alternative livelihoods. (AFP)
