KAMPALA – The passing of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, 29 December 2024 marked the end of an era defined by steadfast commitment to peace, development and the eradication of diseases in Africa. Following his tenure as president from 1977 to 1981, Carter became a force for good with his work leaving an indelible mark on the African continent.
Carter’s engagement with Africa was multifaceted starting with his historic visit as the first sitting U.S. president to make an official state trip to the continent. His administration’s foreign policy was rooted in racial justice that addressed apartheid in South Africa and the transition of Rhodesia to Zimbabwe. These foundations set the stage for his post-presidential initiatives.
One of Carter’s most significant contributions to African peace was his role in mediating the complex web of conflicts involving Sudan and Uganda. During the protracted Sudanese civil war, Carter facilitated the 1999 Nairobi Peace Agreement brokered between Sudan’s government and Uganda. The agreement represented a monumental diplomatic achievement and compelled Uganda to cease support for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and Sudan to halt its backing of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
The implementation of the Nairobi Peace Agreement laid the foundations future initiatives including the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between Al Bashir’s Government and the SPLM/A leader John Garang signed in January 2005. This agreement ultimately paved the way for South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
Carter’s humanitarian vision extended beyond peace-building. His campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis) showcased his commitment to address public health challenges. This debilitating parasitic infection, once rampant across equatorial regions, caused immense economic and social distress.
Through the Carter Center’s relentless efforts, the transmission of Guinea worm was systematically reduced by reduced by more than 99.99 percent. Focused measures comprised community education, provision of safe drinking water and public health interventions to prevent infected individuals from contaminating water sources. The program’s success is unparalleled: from 3.5 million cases in 1986 to only 7 cases globally over the past year.
The Guinea worm eradication campaign faced daunting obstacles, especially in South Sudan, where ongoing conflict complicated health initiatives. Despite these challenges, Carter’s commitment remained steadfast. His health interventions were intertwined with peace-building efforts to ensure public health work could continue even amidst instability.
Beyond Sudan and South Sudan, Carter’s initiatives extended to agriculture, governance and democracy across the continent. Through the Sasakawa Africa Association and the Global 2000 program, Carter’s efforts improved agricultural production in 12 sub-Saharan nations. His monitoring of elections bolstered democratic processes and The Carter Center’s advocacy for human rights resonated across Africa’s diverse political landscapes.
Carter’s Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 recognized decades of tireless effort to advance peace, democracy and development worldwide with Africa at the heart of his mission. His legacy is a reminder of the good that can be achieved with focus, commitment and sheer will.
As Africa grapples with challenges of governance, health and climate resilience, Carter’s work provides both a blueprint and an inspiration. The near-eradication of Guinea worm serves as a testament to what sustained focus and global solidarity can accomplish offering hope not only to Africa but to the world.
Christopher Burke is the Managing Director of WMC Africa, a communications and advisory agency based in Uganda. He has over 30 years of experience in development, governance, and peace-building in Africa and Asia.
Christopher Burke worked as a representative of The Carter Centre working on the implementation of the 1999 Nairobi Peace Agreement between Khartoum and Kampala. He is currently a senior advisor at WMC Africa, a communications and advisory agency in Uganda and has 30 years’ experience working on communications, development, governance and peace-building in Asia and Africa.
