Troy Fitrell, a Quiet Supporter of Somaliland, Retires: A New Chapter in Washington’s Africa Strategy

The U.S. State Department’s top official for Africa, Ambassador Troy Fitrell, will retire in mid-July, the department announced. This development comes shortly after the dismissal of AFRICOM Commander General Jami Shawley, who was known for advocating the recognition of Somaliland. A notable reshuffle is underway in Washington’s Africa policy team.

A State Department spokesperson said on Thursday that Fitrell will be succeeded by Jonathan Pratt, currently the Bureau of African Affairs’ Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary.

“After a long and distinguished career, Ambassador Troy Fitrell, the Senior Bureau Official of the Bureau of African Affairs, will retire in mid-July as planned,” the spokesperson said, adding that Pratt will temporarily assume the role.

Are Somaliland Backers Being Removed?
Both Fitrell and Shawley were seen as being at odds at times with the Trump administration, which seeks to expand U.S. commercial influence in Africa. Their openness to recognizing Somaliland—an approach seen as undermining Somali unity—drew particular attention.

Fitrell had previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Guinea and was effectively leading the Africa Bureau without a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary during the Trump administration. General Shawley, meanwhile, was the first high-ranking U.S. military official to visit Somaliland and supported establishing a U.S. military base in Berbera.

New Era Prioritizes Trade and Competition with China
The Trump administration is shifting its Africa strategy from aid to trade. Fitrell stated last month that he had instructed U.S. ambassadors across the continent to seek out commercial opportunities for American companies.

Jonathan Pratt, the incoming official, served as U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti from 2021 to 2023 and previously held assignments in the Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Angola—bringing substantial regional experience to the role.

U.S. Countermeasures Against China and Russia Continue
The U.S. reshuffle in Africa policy aims to counter China’s and Russia’s growing influence on the continent, especially in trade and mineral sectors. However, the successive removal of diplomats and military leaders raises questions about how Washington plans to navigate Africa’s complex political landscape going forward.