We note with sadness the passing of Ambassador (ret.) Delano Lewis, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa during the term of President Clinton.

with Ambassador Charles Ray

Sitting at my desk in March 1996, with a large picture window behind me, in my role as deputy chief of mission in Bangui—the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR)—it seemed a normal lunch hour. Several people had left the chancery, including the ambassador and the consular officer.

Climate change is an existential threat with the potential to have catastrophic effects on the habitability of the planet. Continued inaction in addressing the factors driving climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions, risks triggering tipping points that will irreversibly changes in the planet’s climate.

Reports of a possible South African arms transfer to Russia, coming on the heels of a joint South Africa-China-Russia naval exercise and South Africa’s increasingly ambivalent stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, threaten to damage the US-South Africa relationship.

It is extremely sad to report the passing of Ambassador C. Stephen McGann, President of the Assciation of Black American Ambassadors (ABAA).  He was proud family man, successful consulting firm founder, accomplished Senior Foreign Service Officer and creative contributor to many international affairs organizations after his retirement from State.

Ambassador Rea Brazeal is the 2023 Foreign Service Cup recipient for contributions during her 40-year career.