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How US perpetuated corruption, bad governance in Africa – Ambassador Gonzales
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United States Ambassador to Zambia, Michael C. Gonzales, has highlighted America’s previous role in corruption and bad governance that stunted growth over the decades, particularly in African nations.
In an explosive article, “Breaking the Cycle of Foreign Assistance Enabling Corruption,” published by the State Department, Gonzales decried how the U.S. doled out funds to governments without holding them to account.
“What is needed for economic growth and development is not more money, but sound reforms that incentivize enduring private investment and growth,” he asserted, noting that Africa has received over $200 billion in U.S. aid since 1991.
The envoy cited African Union reports indicating that countries on the continent lose an estimated $88 billion each year through tax evasion, money laundering, and corruption.
Gonzales said that instead of insisting on mutual accountability and using U.S. assistance to address the causes of poverty and underdevelopment, Washington funded outputs to allay the symptoms.
That approach, he noted, failed both American taxpayers and citizens of developing countries who looked to their governments and the U.S. to help create the conditions for a better future.
Criticising the pampering of governments rather than demanding performance, he said America “did not have a consistent policy as to whether assistance was charity or a foreign policy tool.”
Gonzales added that rather than challenge administrations that failed in their professed commitments, the U.S. excused the lack of political will as “capacity constraints,” choosing not to “expect too much.”
The ambassador wondered why Washington did not recognise that leaders of aid-recipient countries often prioritised personal interests at the expense of their people and national development.
“Never did we withhold assistance funds because host governments failed to deliver on their commitments… we responded by providing even more aid because they have needs,” he said.
“By trying to save people from the bad governance and corruption of their leaders, we helped perpetuate that very same corruption and bad governance,” Gonzales declared.
The diplomat said America “fuelled moral hazard,” citing cases ranging from the greed exposed in Malawi’s ‘Cashgate’ scandal under Joyce Banda to the systematic kleptocracies of Bangladesh and South Sudan.
“We have enabled and underwritten government corruption… such as the predatory abuses of Mali’s Ibrahim Keita or Guinea’s Alpha Condé against their own populations,” Gonzales noted.
According to the former deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of African Affairs, corruption and the failure to deliver basic public services have led to military coups and incursions by terrorist organisations.
Stressing that U.S. foreign aid is meant to advance American diplomacy, security, and prosperity, he urged Washington to administer it with “host-government buy-in and mutual accountability for outcomes.”
Gonzales believes such a strategy would create space for market-driven growth and help block the means by which malign international actors exploit developing economies and workers.
He referenced Secretary Marco Rubio’s statement that America should favour “nations that have demonstrated both the ability and the willingness to help themselves,” and avoid “failed governments in faraway lands.”
Among his recommendations, Gonzales called for “performance-based funding” and the “right focus,” centred on systemic reforms that enable sustainable growth and mutual opportunities for the U.S. and recipient countries.
The ambassador suggested adopting contractual approaches, unlike USAID’s Development Objective Agreements (DOAs), which bound the U.S. to fund sectors but rarely included host-government performance commitments.
Gonzales said the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) offers best practice by clearly defining shared objectives and commitments by both governments, reducing uncertainty, and improving accountability.
The envoy added that under President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio’s leadership, America has the opportunity and courage to acknowledge its mistakes, embrace candid lessons learned, and do better.
“Assistance that delivers for the American people and our partners must be founded on transparent engagement,” he said. “Nothing should be imposed, hidden, given as ultimatums, or come at the partner’s expense; we are not China.”
By Ojomah Austin.
Barely 24hours after 17 Zamfara farmers were killed, no fewer than 20 people have been killed following an attack by gunmen on Fesken Rafi community in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The Kebbi State Government expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended its condolences to the families of the victims and residents of the affected community.
Leading a high-powered delegation on a condolence visit, the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, assured residents of the government’s commitment to tackling banditry and other security challenges across the state.
He said additional security personnel and operational resources would be deployed to the area to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
“We share in your grief and remain committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across Kebbi State,” the deputy governor said.
The Chairman of Arewa Local Government Area, Sani Aliyu Tela, and the member representing Arewa Constituency in the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Nuradeen Usman Kangiwa, told the delegation that the attack occurred a few days ago and claimed many lives.
They commended Governor Nasir Idris for his administration’s efforts to combat insecurity and for responding promptly to the plight of affected communities.
Traditional leaders, including the Dikkon Kabi, Alhaji Kabiru Sulaiman, who represented the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, and the District Head of Bui, Alhaji Abubakar Dan-Malam, also appreciated the government’s intervention.
They appealed for the construction of a road linking Fesken Rafi to the main highway, saying improved access would enhance security operations and boost socio-economic activities in the area.
The latest attack highlights the persistent security challenges facing communities in parts of Kebbi State amid ongoing threats from armed groups.
By Ojomah Austin.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed profound sadness over the passing of a member of the House, Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo, describing his demise as shocking.
The lawmaker, who represented the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, passed away on Friday evening in Abuja after a brief illness, six days before his 63rd birthday. He was the Chairman of the House Parliamentary Friendship Group with the United Arab Emirates.
Speaker Abbas, in a condolence message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Saturday, described the late Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo as a committed lawmaker who represented his constituents with zeal and served the country with patriotism.
The Speaker recalled Hon. Yaya Tongo’s invaluable contributions to deliberations on the floor of the House, noting that his passing has created a vacuum.
Speaker Abbas noted that though it is painful to lose a colleague of Hon. Tongo’s standing, the House finds solace in the fact that he lived a life worthy of emulation.
The Speaker extends heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Gombe State, particularly the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency.
He prayed to Allah (SWT) to have mercy on the soul of the late lawmaker, forgive his mistakes, and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has finally confirmed the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), while in the captivity of bandits in Katsina State.
The DHQ, in a statement on Saturday, signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said all efforts were put in place to rescue the retired officer before his death, but unfortunately, it was not successful.
Uba conveyed the condolences of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to his family, his colleagues and all Nigerians.
The statement also recalled the meritorious service by Abubakar to Nigeria through the military, adding that the late officer served with distinction.
The DHQ noted that his death has strengthened their resolve to dislodge every bandit, terrorist and criminal across the nation, adding that they will pay for their actions.
It added that no public statement was made earlier about his abduction due to ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies.
The full statement reads, “The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) convey its deepest sympathies to the Abubakar family, his colleagues and all Nigerians. Maj Gen Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held many appointments including spokesperson of various military formations as well as spokesman for the AFN as Director Defence Information. He made immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations, professional development of the AFN and numerous other commendable and outstanding impacts. His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN.
“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return.
“This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the AFN. We will remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens.
“In response to series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation.
“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorists activities across the nation are held to account.”
Recall that on May 30, 2026, Abubakar and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, were ambushed and abducted by suspected armed bandits while travelling in a Peugeot 406 near Zakin Baure village in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Their driver survived the attack after sustaining gunshot injuries.
After Zamfara bloodbath, bandits kill 20 people in Kebbi
Speaker Abbas expresses sadness over demise of Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo
DHQ Reacts As Ex-spokesperson, Gen. Radabe Dies In Bandits’ Den
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