Joseph Boateng, the chief investment officer at Casey Family Programs, discussed the foundation's efforts to prevent the need for foster care in the U.S. by investing in Africa. In an interview with VOA's Ignatius Annor, Boateng emphasized the importance of partnerships rather than charity, with a focus on long-term investments in various sectors such as energy, technology, real estate, education, and healthcare. He highlighted the foundation's commitment to transparency, hard work, and making a meaningful change in the well-being of people in Africa and children in foster care in the U.S. Casey Family Programs has nearly reached $100 million in commitments and investments in Africa and is open to increasing this amount based on the attractiveness and potential of future investments. Boateng hopes the upcoming U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit will lead to action and tangible deals, not just photo opportunities.

An analyst from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy commented on the current geopolitical situation involving the Israel-Gaza conflict and its implications on the attention given to the larger Russia-Ukraine conflict by Washington. The analyst, David Shenker, also touched upon the recent political development in the U.S. with the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which was partly due to his stance on U.S. support for Ukraine. Despite these events, President Joe Biden has reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel, a sentiment that Shenker says is echoed by 'iron-clad' support on Capitol Hill. The information was provided during an interview with VOA's Ignatius Annor.

The International Court of Justice is holding hearings to consider a request by the UN General Assembly for an advisory opinion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. South Africa's representative argued that Israel is responsible for apartheid against Palestinians and that the occupation of land is illegal. Israel has rejected these claims. The impact of preliminary measures issued by the court on January 26 is being questioned.

The article discusses a Congressional hearing conducted by the U.S. Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, which addressed the increasing conflicts and instability in Sahel nations such as Sudan, Niger, and Chad. The hearing aimed to review and potentially revise U.S. policy in the region. VOA's Esther Githui-Ewart interviewed VOA’s Ignatius Annor for his insights on the proposed policy changes. Annor had attended the hearing and provided an analysis of the discussions and implications for U.S. engagement in the Sahel.

The United States Congress is currently focusing on the situation in the Sahel region, recognizing the need for a strong and coordinated response to the conflicts and instability there. The Congress is examining its policy toward the Sahel and considering the steps that the U.S. should take to address the challenges in the region. VOA journalist Ignatius Annor has reported on these developments from Capitol Hill, highlighting the concerns of the U.S. lawmakers and the potential implications for U.S. foreign policy.

South Africa and Chad have withdrawn their diplomats from Israel amidst global calls for a cease-fire in the conflict with Hamas. The White House announced Israel's plan for four-hour daily pauses in military operations, but Israel has not agreed to a full cease-fire. Professor Hennie Strydom from the University of Johannesburg believes the African nations' actions show a desire to avoid relations with Israel currently, but doubts it will impact the conflict. Western allies support Israel's efforts against militant groups, while some African nations have also backed Israel. South Africa's minister, Naledi Pandor, expressed concern over civilian casualties. Chad recalled its senior diplomat in protest, and Libya's parliament threatened to cut energy supplies over support for Israel. Protests have occurred across Africa and other continents in solidarity with Palestinians. Simon Rynn of RUSI notes the diplomatic withdrawals reflect a clear stance by some African states on the conflict. The African Union has not commented on the withdrawals, and other countries have also pulled ambassadors from Israel.

At a Cairo summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa compared the situation in Gaza to apartheid, drawing parallels between the Palestinian experience and South Africa's history of racial segregation. Israel, supported by Western allies, maintains its actions are necessary for security, while critics like Namibia, South Africa, and Amnesty International accuse Israel of apartheid-like policies in Palestinian territories. Ron Halber of the Jewish Community Relations Council criticized Ramaphosa's comparison as 'ridiculous,' emphasizing the differences between the two situations. Naledi Pandor, South Africa's International Relations Minister, opposed Israel's observer status in the African Union, citing the oppression of Palestinians. The African Union has called for a ceasefire and a return to negotiations for a two-state solution, but has not addressed Israel's observer status. Michael Walsh from Howard University highlighted the importance of distinguishing between support for Palestinians and support for Hamas. Ramaphosa has urged the international community, particularly the U.S., to support peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians.

At a pro-Palestinian rally in Washington, Congresswoman Bush, alongside Rashida Tlaib, introduced a resolution demanding a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Bush condemned Hamas for attacks on Israel and expressed her incomprehension at the ongoing violence in 2023. Tlaib, emotionally moved by the devastation in Gaza, called on President Biden to protect Palestinian lives and criticized the politicization of efforts to save lives. The Israeli Defense Forces attributed a hospital attack in Gaza to a misfired rocket by Islamic Jihad, a claim denied by the group. The UN reported over a million internally displaced Palestinians in Gaza, and the conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides. Israel is preparing for a potential ground invasion into Gaza.

Cities across the United States have heightened their security measures in response to a call by the militant group Hamas for a 'day of rage.' In reaction to the situation, members of the Jewish community in the Washington metropolitan area organized a rally to show their support for Israel. VOA journalists Vincent Makori and Ignatius Annor reported on the events, with Annor providing live coverage from downtown Washington, DC.

The article discusses the perspective of an analyst from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy on the current geopolitical situation. The analyst notes that while Israel's attack on Gaza is a focus for Washington, it is overshadowing the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine in Europe. President Joe Biden has affirmed U.S. support for Israel, despite some Congressional members emphasizing support for Ukraine. VOA's Ignatius Annor reported on the conversation with Shenker, who mentioned that there is unwavering support for Israel in the U.S. Congress.