United States Africa Command

Burkina Faso

Central African Republic

Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Federal Republic of Somalia

Gabonese Republic

Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Islamic Republic of The Gambia

Kingdom of Lesotho

Kingdom of Morocco

Kingdom of Swaziland

Libya

People's Democratic Republic of Algeria

Republic of Angola

Republic of Benin

Republic of Botswana

Republic of Burundi

Republic of Cabo Verde

Republic of Cameroon

Republic of Chad

Republic of Côte d'Ivoire

Republic of Djibouti

Republic of Equatorial Guinea

Republic of Ghana

Republic of Guinea

Republic of Guinea-Bissau

Republic of Kenya

Republic of Liberia

Republic of Madagascar

Republic of Malawi

Republic of Mali

Republic of Mauritius

Republic of Mozambique

Republic of Namibia

Republic of Niger

Republic of Rwanda

Republic of Senegal

Republic of Seychelles

Republic of Sierra Leone

Republic of South Africa

Republic of South Sudan

Republic of the Congo

Republic of the Sudan

Republic of Uganda

Republic of Zambia

Republic of Zimbabwe

State of Eritrea

Togolese Republic

Tunisian Republic

Union of the Comoros

United Republic of Tanzania

*Egypt is within the designated Area of Responsibility of the US Central Command


The United States established diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso (then called Upper Volta) in 1960, following its independence from France. U.S. relations with Burkina Faso are excellent. In addition to regional peace and stability, U.S. interests in Burkina Faso are to promote continued democratization and greater respect for human rights and to encourage sustainable economic development. Countering terrorism and strengthening... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with the Central African Republic (C.A.R.) in 1960, following its independence from France. The C.A.R. is one of the world’s least developed nations, and has experienced several periods of political instability since independence. The Central African Republic is located in a volatile and poor region and has a long history of development, governance, and human... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) in 1960, following its independence from Belgium. Post-independence, the country saw a mix of unrest and rebellion, secession, dictatorships, armed conflict, and neighboring countries controlling parts of the D.R.C.'s territory. The country was the battle ground for the African World War (1997-2003) during which time nine... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Ethiopia in 1903. Italy, which had neighboring possessions in Africa, invaded and occupied Ethiopia from 1935 until its expulsion in 1941 during World War II. The United States never publicly recognized Italian authority in Ethiopia. After Ethiopia's 1974 revolution, U.S.-Ethiopian relations began to cool due to the government's linkage with international communism and... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Nigeria in 1960, following Nigeria’s independence from the United Kingdom. From 1966-1999 Nigeria experienced a series of military coups, excluding the short-lived second republic between 1979-1983. The 30-month long civil war, which ended in January 1970, resulted in 1-3 million casualties. Following the 1999 inauguration of a civilian president, the U.S.-Nigerian relationship began... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Somalia in 1960, following its constituent parts' independence from British and Italian administration, respectively. A 1969 coup replaced Somalia's elected government with military rule that reflected both ideological and economic dependence on the Soviet Union. Following war with Ethiopia in the 1970s, Somalia began turning toward the West, including the United States, for... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Gabon in 1960 following Gabon’s independence from France. Relations between the United States and Gabon are excellent. The United States welcomes the reforms that Gabon is making to bring more transparency and accountability to government, while at the same time urging Gabon to take bold steps to root out corruption and to reform... Read more
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The United States was the first country to recognize Mauritania's independence from France in 1960. Since the late 1960s, U.S. cooperation with Mauritania has varied in response to political conditions. The United States engages with Mauritania on a wide array of issues, including counterterrorism, food security, trade promotion, and efforts to strengthen human rights and the rule of law. The... Read more
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During World War II, Gambian troops fought with the Allies in Burma. The Gambia's capital city served as an air stop for the U.S. Army Air Corps and a port of call for Allied naval convoys. The Gambia became independent from the United Kingdom in 1965. President Yayah Jammeh took power in a military coup d’etat in 1994, and has... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Lesotho in 1966, following its independence from the United Kingdom. Post-independence, the country saw a mix of rule by decree, coups, outside military intervention, and democratic government. Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy that faces challenges including poverty, income distribution inequality, and one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world. Since independence... Read more
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Morocco formally recognized the United States by signing a treaty of peace and friendship in 1786. After a longstanding consular presence, permanent diplomatic relations began in 1905. Morocco entered into the status of a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, and normal diplomatic relations were resumed after U.S. recognition of Moroccan independence in 1956. The two countries share common concerns... Read more
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The United States and Swaziland have had good bilateral relations since Swaziland's independence from the United Kingdom in 1968 as a constitutional monarchy. Five years after independence, Swaziland's ruler, King Sobhuza II, repealed the constitution. Sobhuza II ruled by decree until 2006, when the country implemented its first constitution in over 30 years. U.S. policy seeks to maintain and strengthen... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Libya in 1951. In 1969, the army overthrew the king, and coup leader Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi became de facto head of state. Qadhafi tried to brutally suppress an uprising against his dictatorship in 2011. Under the auspices of a UN Security Council resolution, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France launched military action... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Algeria in 1962 following its independence from France. Algeria severed relations with the United States in 1967, in the wake of the Arab-Israeli War. Relations were reestablished in 1974. The United States and Algeria consult closely on key international and regional issues such as law enforcement cooperation, both in the field of counterterrorism and... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations in 1993 with Angola, which had become independent from Portugal in 1975. Post-independence, Angola saw 27 years of civil war among groups backed at various times by countries that included the United States, the Soviet Union, Cuba, China, and South Africa. Angola has had two presidents since independence. The first president came to power... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Benin (then called Dahomey) in 1960, following its independence from France. Between 1960 and 1972, a succession of military coups brought about many changes of government, followed by one-party, Marxist-Leninist rule until the early 1990s, when the country transitioned to a democratic government. In the years since then, the history of bilateral relations... Read more
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The United States considers Botswana an excellent partner and an advocate of and model for stability in Africa. In its 46 years since independence, Botswana has consistently maintained a democratic government, responsibly managed its natural resources, and invested in its people and infrastructure. The bilateral relationship is strong, grounded in a shared commitment to democracy, good governance, and human rights. The... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Burundi in 1962, following its independence from a Belgian-administered trusteeship. From 1993 to 2006, the country saw civil war driven by ethnic tensions. The 2000 Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Accords provided a negotiated settlement to the conflict. National elections in 2010 were judged by domestic and international observers to be free and fair... Read more
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The United States and Cape Verde have strong historical roots. As early as the 1740s, U.S. whaling ships began recruiting crews from the islands of Brava and Fogo, and other ships from the American colonies routinely anchored in Cape Verdean ports to trade. The tradition of emigration to the United States began at that time and continues today. Some 4,000... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Cameroon in 1960, following the independence of the French-administered part of the country. Cameroon has had two presidents since independence. U.S. relations with Cameroon are positive, although from time to time they have been affected by concerns over human rights abuses and the pace of political and economic liberalization. The two countries are partners... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Chad in 1960, following its independence from France. Relations between the United States and Chad are good. Chad is emerging from half a century of regionalized conflict and internal turmoil, and it has the potential to lay foundations for better governance and development. A 2010 peace agreement with Sudan continues to hold, and... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Cote d'Ivoire (then called Ivory Coast) in 1960 following its independence from France. A coup in 1999 ushered in several years of coup attempts, disputed elections, rebellions, and attempts at reunification. In 2011, a new president was formally inaugurated after a period of fighting brought on by the incumbent's refusal to cede power... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Djibouti in 1977, following its independence from France, and had consular representation in the former colony of French Somaliland since 1929. Since independence, Djibouti has had two presidents -- Hassan Gouled Aptidon, was first elected in 1977 and ruled for 22 years until the current president, Ismail Omar Guelleh, was... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Equatorial Guinea in 1968, following the country's independence from Spain. Equatorial Guinea's President has held office for more than three decades, and his party dominates the legislature. Three major U.S. foreign policy issues form the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship with Equatorial Guinea -- good governance and democracy; the protection of human rights; and... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Ghana in 1957 following its independence from the United Kingdom. The United States and Ghana share a long history promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Ghana has set an example for countries throughout Africa in promoting governance and regional stability. The U.S. and Ghanaian militaries have cooperated in numerous joint training... Read more
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The United States maintained close relations with Guinea prior to the country's 2008 military coup d’etat, which the U.S. condemned. Following Guinea's presidential elections in 2010, the United States reestablished strong diplomatic relations with the government. U.S. policy seeks to encourage Guinea's democratic reforms, its positive contribution to regional stability, and sustainable economic and social development. The United States has... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Guinea-Bissau in 1975, following its independence from Portugal. Post-independence, the country has seen a mix of coups, attempted coups, civil war, assassinations, and democratic elections. The United States strongly condemned the April 2012 attempt by elements of the military to forcibly seize power, called for maximum restraint on all sides and the restoration... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Kenya in 1964, following its December 1963 independence from the United Kingdom. The United States and Kenya have enjoyed cordial relations and an enduring strategic partnership since Kenya's independence. Relations became closer after Kenya's democratic transition of 2002 and subsequent improvements in civil liberties. In the wake of widespread violence following the disputed... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Liberia in 1864 following its independence from the American Colonization Society, an organization that resettled free African-Americans and freed slaves in Liberia. A 1980 coup ended the one-party rule that dated from independence in 1847. From 1989 to 2003, the country saw civil war, misrule, and rebellion. Elections held in 2005 and 2011... Read more
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During the 1800s and 1900s, Madagascar passed back and forth between British and French spheres of influence and possession. The country became independent from France in 1960. Relations between the United States and Madagascar date to the mid-1800s. The two countries concluded a commercial convention in 1867; established diplomatic relations in 1874; and concluded a treaty of peace, friendship, and... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Malawi in 1964, following its full independence from the United Kingdom. Malawi was a one-party state from 1966 to 1994. The transition to multi-party democracy in 1994 strengthened bilateral relations between the United States and Malawi. The two countries have worked together to advance health, education, agriculture, energy, and environmental stewardship in Malawi... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Mali in 1960, following its independence from France. In 1992, Mali moved from a one-party state to multiparty democracy. In March 2012, Mali's elected civilian government was removed in a military seizure of power, and an interim administration was subsequently put in place. There are rebel groups still active in northern Mali, and... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Mauritius in 1968, following its independence from the United Kingdom. In the years following independence, Mauritius became one of Africa's most stable and developed economies, as a result of its multi-party democracy and free market orientation. Relations between the United States and Mauritius are cordial, and we collaborate closely on bilateral, regional, and... Read more
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Mozambique's independence from Portugal in 1975 was followed by years of civil conflict that ended in 1992. U.S. aid to Mozambique in the post-conflict period supported the peace and reconciliation process. The country has had one ruling political party since 1975. The United States and Mozambique share a commitment to economic development, improved living standards, and good governance for all... Read more
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U.S.-Namibian relations are friendly. The United States participated in the diplomatic efforts to bring about Namibia's 1990 independence from South Africa and has since provided assistance to improve the well being of the Namibian people. The bilateral relationship is characterized by a shared commitment to democratic principles, including the rule of law and respect for human rights, and has been... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Niger in 1960, following its independence from France. U.S. relations with Niger since its independence have generally been close and friendly. In 2010, a military junta took power after overthrowing the former president, who had tried to extend his rule unconstitutionally. A new president was inaugurated in 2011, returning Niger to constitutional, civilian... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Rwanda in 1962, following its independence from a Belgian-administered trusteeship. From 1990 to 1994, the country saw civil war and genocide. The United States seeks to help Rwanda meet the needs of its population, including increased social cohesion in a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Rwanda that provides good governance and an economically enabling... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Senegal in 1960, following its independence from France and the dissolution of the Mali Federation. Senegal had three presidents from 1960 to 2012. Power was transferred peacefully from one president to his handpicked successor in 1981, and transferred again in elections in 2000. The country's fourth president was elected in 2012. Senegal is a... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Seychelles in 1976, following Seychelles independence from the United Kingdom. The United States and Seychelles enjoy a history of partnership and cooperation based on shared priorities. In the Indian Ocean region, the two countries work together to fight piracy and terrorism, strengthen economies, and promote maritime security. Seychelles tourism- and fishing-based economy is directly... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Sierra Leone in 1961, following its independence from the United Kingdom. U.S.-Sierra Leone relations are cordial. About two percent of Sierra Leone's population are Krio, the descendants of freed slaves who returned to Sierra Leone beginning in the late 1700s from Great Britain and North America and from slave ships captured on the... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with South Africa in 1929, following the United Kingdom's recognition of South Africa's domestic and external autonomy within the British Empire. Until the 1990s, the South African Government followed a policy of white domination over the majority-black population, and racial separation (apartheid). From the 1970s through the early 1990s, U.S.-South Africa relations were severely... Read more
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The United States recognized South Sudan as a sovereign, independent state on July 9, 2011 following its secession from Sudan. The United States played a key role in helping create the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that laid the groundwork for the 2011 independence referendum and secession. Several disputes between Sudan and South Sudan remain unresolved post-independence, including the management of... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Republic of the Congo in 1960, following the country's independence from France. Diplomatic relations were suspended in 1965, then resumed in 1977. In 1992, Republic of the Congo completed a transition to multiparty democracy; the country saw several years of civil conflict during 1997-2003. U.S.-Republic of the Congo relations are positive and cooperative. The... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Sudan in 1956, following its independence from joint administration by Egypt and the United Kingdom. Sudan broke diplomatic relations with the United States in 1967 after the start of the Arab-Israeli War. Relations were reestablished in 1972. In the 1990s, The Sudanese Government’s links with international terrorist organizations led the United States to... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Uganda in 1962, following Uganda’s formal independence from the United Kingdom. In the post-independence period, the country endured despotism and near economic collapse. The human rights abuses of several Ugandan governments strained U.S. relations with Uganda. President Museveni came to power in 1986, after decades of internal strife. Under Museveni, Uganda has experienced... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Zambia in 1964, following its independence from the United Kingdom. Zambia saw single-party rule from independence until 1973, when it formally became a one-party state. In 1991, elections replaced the country's 27-year president as Zambia began adopting multi-party democracy and a more liberalized economy. Zambia's economic growth has not benefited many rural Zambians... Read more
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The United Kingdom formally granted independence to Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) in 1980, following years of conflict between minority white rulers and majority black guerilla movements. The United States was the first nation to open an embassy in the country, and it pledged assistance toward the Zimbabwean Government's goals of postwar reconstruction, distribution and development of land, and the development of... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Eritrea in 1993, following its independence and separation from Ethiopia. The United States supported Eritrea's independence, but U.S.-Eritrea relations became strained as a result of ongoing government detention of political dissidents and others, the closure of the independent press, and limits on civil liberties. Eritrea's authoritarian regime is controlled entirely by the president... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Togo in 1960 following its independence from a French-administered trusteeship. After a troubled birth which saw coups and the assassinations, from 1967 to 2005, Togo was ruled by Dictator General Gnassingbe Eyadema, though with periods of quasi-constitutional government and occasional desultory efforts at political reconciliation. The current president, Faure Gnassingbe is Eyadema’s son;... Read more
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Tunisia is a strong partner of the United States and the U.S. Government is proud to support Tunisia in its transition to democracy. In this effort, one of the United States’ priorities is to help Tunisia provide a secure environment conducive to the development of democratic institutions and practices, and to economic growth. The United States also supports Tunisia as... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Comoros in 1977, following its 1975 independence from France. The United States and Comoros enjoy friendly relations. The United States seeks to help counter piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region through maintaining a strong bilateral relationship with Comoros and enhancing its maritime security. The United States does not maintain an embassy... Read more
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The United States established diplomatic relations with Tanzania in 1961. The United States and Tanzania have a deep partnership characterized by mutual respect, mutual interest, shared values, and aspirations for a more peaceful and prosperous future. The United States respects Tanzania’s record of democratic progress, which has made it a model for the region and beyond, and supports Tanzania's continuing... Read more
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