U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen completed a three-country trip across Africa this week that saw stops in the continent’s west and south. The visit sought to expand economic ties between the United States and Africa, in line with Washington’s much-touted desire to “reset” relations with the continent.
The ADF, regarded as an Islamic State affiliate, claimed responsibility for a bomb attack at a church in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Jan. 15 that killed at least 17 people and wounded 39 more. It’s the latest high-profile incident in Congo’s eastern region, where a complex security challenge threatens regional stability.
Forty-six Ivorian soldiers who were detained in Mali since July 2022 returned to Cote d’Ivoire last week after they were pardoned by Mali’s interim military ruler, Col. Assimi Goita. But although resolution of the dispute could present both sides with the opportunity to reset relations, that will likely prove a tall order.
