PRESIDENT Donald Trump has ordered the United States to withdraw from more than 60 international organisations, including key United Nations bodies focused on Africa and the African diaspora, in a sweeping directive that has alarmed observers across the continent.
Among the institutions targeted for American withdrawal are the UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa and the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, moves that signal a dramatic shift in U.S. engagement with African affairs and global anti-racism initiatives.
The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, established by the UN General Assembly in 2021, serves as a consultative body addressing issues affecting people of African descent worldwide, including systemic racism, discrimination, and reparations for slavery and colonialism. The forum provides a platform for African diaspora communities to engage with UN member states on human rights concerns.
The Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, meanwhile, coordinates international support for Africa’s development and security priorities, working to strengthen partnerships between the UN system and African nations on issues ranging from conflict prevention to economic development.
Trump’s Thursday memorandum also withdraws U.S. participation from the UN Economic Commission for Africa, one of five regional commissions that support African countries’ economic and social development through research, policy advice, and capacity building.
The directive comes amid heightened global tensions following the recent kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, though the memorandum does not reference that incident. Trump said the withdrawals followed a review by his Secretary of State, who determined the organisations were “contrary to the interests of the United States.”
“After deliberating with my Cabinet, I have determined that it is contrary to the interests of the United States to remain a member of, participate in, or otherwise provide support to” the listed organisations, Trump wrote.
Beyond Africa-specific bodies, the order targets numerous UN agencies dealing with human rights, climate change, and development. These include the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, the Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change—all issues of significant concern to African nations.
The withdrawal from climate-related organisations, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and various environmental programmes, comes as African countries face escalating climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
Also on the list are bodies focused on peacekeeping and conflict resolution, including the Peacebuilding Commission and Peacebuilding Fund, which have supported numerous African peace initiatives.
The order directs all U.S. government agencies to take immediate steps to cease participation and funding “as soon as possible” and “to the extent permitted by law.”
Trump indicated more withdrawals may follow, noting his “review of further findings of the Secretary of State remains ongoing.”
The moves represent an unprecedented American retreat from multilateral institutions and could significantly impact funding and political support for programmes benefiting African nations and diaspora communities worldwide.
