Topic: Power Africa

5 chapters across the catalog

French Rats
Episode 1448 2:16:27 - 2:20:13

1448: French Rats

Fertilizer Shortage, Samantha Power, Africa Food Crisis

Russia has recommended halting fertilizer exports, exacerbating a global shortage. USAID Administrator Samantha Power suggested that the crisis might "hasten transitions" to natural fertilizers like manure, which the hosts argue will lead to lower crop yields and a food crisis in Africa. They characterize Power as a key figure in the "shadow government" directing Biden's policies.

Arming A-holes
Episode 667 42:28 - 47:02

667: Arming A-holes

Samantha Power West Africa Tour, Quarantine Inconsistency

U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power toured West Africa without being subjected to the strict 21-day quarantine mandated for other travelers. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki defended the "low risk" classification of Power's trip. The hosts contrast this with the legal battle of nurse Kaci Hickox, who successfully sued to avoid forced quarantine in Maine.

Summer of Blood
Episode 650 10:30 - 14:47

650: Summer of Blood

Power Africa Initiative, Ebola Patient Escape in Monrovia

The Power Africa initiative, a $6 billion U.S. government program involving private sector partners like General Electric, focuses on energy infrastructure in nations including Liberia and Nigeria. Meanwhile, media reports from the BBC depict dramatic scenes in Monrovia where an Ebola patient allegedly escaped quarantine to find food, sparking a panic in local markets. These events are compared to scripts from zombie films like World War Z.

Episode 527 11:44 - 16:57

527: Odious Selfies

Power Africa Initiative, General Electric, Millennium Challenge Corporation

President Barack Obama announces the "Power Africa" initiative in Tanzania, a public-private partnership aimed at doubling electricity access across the continent. The project involves $7 billion in US support and $9 billion from private companies like General Electric and Symbion Energy. Critics argue this is a reactive attempt to mimic Chinese infrastructure investment strategies in Africa while the US continues to rely on drone warfare.

#meh!
Episode 526 2:22:42 - 2:27:38

526: #meh!

Power Africa Initiative, China Rivalry

President Obama pledged $7 billion for the "Power Africa" initiative to build electric grids in sub-Saharan countries, a move seen as a challenge to Chinese investment in the region. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), which includes figures like Madeline Albright on its board, will oversee the funding. Protesters in South Africa criticized the move as a pursuit of U.S. economic interests under the guise of aid.