By Paschal Norbert
NAIROBI , JUNE 11, 2025 (CISA)- In a compelling opinion piece published by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on June 8, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of the Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), made a fervent appeal to the U.S. government not to turn its back on Africa. With a sense of urgency and hope, the cardinal addressed President Donald Trump and his administration directly, warning that cutting humanitarian aid to Africa would not only imperil millions of lives but also squander decades of moral and strategic partnership.
“Africa Needs American Generosity – The aid you send us isn’t wasted. It serves a moral and strategic purpose,” Cardinal Ambongo declared in his WSJ op-ed. Stressing Africa’s deep economic, cultural, and human ties with the US, he wrote, “In short, the US has transformed millions of lives for the better on my continent. Without US support, even more internal conflicts would now be crippling Africa, leading to greater political instability and threatening the continent’s economic development.”
Citing widespread challenges such as political turmoil, famine, and resource conflicts, the cardinal underscored the role of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in stabilizing African communities for decades.
“It has enhanced African society and, in the process, strengthened American economic influence in the region,” he wrote, adding “We remain grateful for this.”
The op-ed comes amid sweeping cuts to USAID programs under the Trump administration. In March, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the cancellation of 83% of USAID contracts, citing concerns over mismanagement and questionable spending. The White House pointed to instances of funds supporting controversial projects, including LGBT advocacy and contraceptive research, arguing these did not align with America’s core interests.
“The American people are right to be concerned about the proper use of their limited resources,” Cardinal Ambongo acknowledged. But he cautioned, “Their critics are foolish and unjust when they ignore that fact.”
The cardinal also issued a geopolitical warning: if the US withdraws, rival powers will fill the void.
“If the US does not support Africa, then China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea will make advances in its stead. This is already occurring in too many places,” he wrote, adding, “but it isn’t too late to turn the tide, creating a situation in which Africa and the US both win.”
Cardinal Ambongo further emphasized that US aid should respect African cultural and religious values.
“I believe that respect for African culture can coexist with humanitarian aid,” he stated, explaining further “Cultural colonization needn’t be the price exacted for a moral, strategic and humanitarian partnership.”
For decades, USAID-funded programs have been a lifeline for many African communities. From food security to malaria prevention, maternal health to clean water, American aid has helped local Catholic dioceses, parishes, and religious organizations implement life-saving initiatives.
Across the continent, the Catholic Church is a trusted grassroots agent, providing education, operating hospitals and clinics, and leading peacebuilding efforts.
“We are a religious people, convicted in our love for and dependence on God,” Ambongo wrote, stating “Our culture is imbued with love and respect for the family, the goodness of life and the hope for a better future.”
In his final appeal, the Congolese prelate spoke on behalf of bishops, priests, and families who have benefitted from America’s long-standing partnership.
“On behalf of those people, I ask President Trump and his administration to reconsider aid to his friends in Africa, who have been and will continue to be important partners of the US,” he wrote, stressing “There is too much at stake – for Africans, for Americans and for the world.”
