WASHINGTON – The United States under President Donald Trump has ordered federal agencies to begin withdrawing from a broad range of international organisations, a decision that will directly affect several United Nations bodies central to Africa’s development, diplomacy and global advocacy.
The directive, issued through a presidential memorandum following a policy review mandated under Executive Order 14199, instructs US departments to cease participation in, or funding for, 66 multilateral institutions deemed “contrary to the interests of the United States.” Among those targeted are UN entities whose work has long been intertwined with Africa’s economic engagement and political representation within the global system.
According to officials familiar with the memorandum, the move represents one of the most far-reaching foreign policy resets of Trump’s second term, reinforcing his administration’s preference for national sovereignty and bilateral engagement over multilateral frameworks.
Africa-focused UN bodies affected
Among the organisations named in the withdrawal order are the UN Economic and Social Council’s Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, and the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
Collectively, these institutions have served as key platforms through which African governments, regional blocs and diaspora communities engage the UN on issues such as development financing, debt relief, trade policy, governance reform and social inclusion. For decades, they have also played a central role in elevating African priorities within UN decision-making processes.
The ECA, headquartered in Addis Ababa, advises African states on economic reform, industrialisation and regional integration, including support for initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Office of the Special Adviser on Africa functions as a diplomatic bridge between African leaders and the UN Secretary-General, while the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent advocates on issues ranging from racial justice to economic exclusion affecting African and diaspora communities worldwide.
Policy shift with global implications
The US withdrawal from these bodies removes both financial support and political influence from institutions that have historically shaped international approaches to Africa’s growth and social justice agenda. Analysts say the decision reflects a broader recalibration of Washington’s global role under Trump, who has consistently criticised multilateral institutions as inefficient and overly restrictive on US policy freedom.
Since returning to office, Trump has moved swiftly to tighten immigration controls, scale back refugee admissions and reduce US involvement in international organisations that his administration argues undermine American sovereignty or impose external obligations.
Africa has been particularly exposed to this shift. In addition to stricter immigration and visa policies affecting African nationals, the rollback of US engagement in multilateral development and diplomatic forums threatens to weaken traditional channels through which Washington has interacted with the continent.
Concerns across the continent
For African governments, the decision comes at a sensitive moment. Many countries are grappling with high debt burdens, persistent security challenges and the effects of a fragile global economy. The prospect of a reduced US presence in multilateral development institutions has raised concerns about diminished advocacy for African interests at a time when global financing conditions are tightening.
Diplomats and development experts warn that the withdrawal could create gaps in funding, technical assistance and political backing for Africa-focused initiatives within the UN system, potentially shifting influence toward other global powers more willing to engage multilaterally.
While the Trump administration argues that the move will allow the US to pursue more focused and interest-driven foreign policy objectives, critics say it risks marginalising African voices in global governance and weakening international cooperation on development and social justice issues.
As federal agencies begin implementing the directive, African leaders and international partners are now assessing the long-term implications of what could be a lasting redefinition of US–Africa relations on the multilateral stage.
