By Jim Fisher-Thompson
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- Representative Ed Royce, who began his fifth year as chairman of the House of Representatives Africa Subcommittee this January, says he will pursue "a strong agenda" that focuses on African trade and investment, HIV/AIDS, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

In March 5 comments to the Washington File, Royce said that he would stick with the activism that has been the hallmark of his leadership of the subcommittee.

"I look forward to continuing to serve as chairman," in part, he said, because "the subcommittee has accomplished a good deal over the last several years, including helping to guide the African Growth and Opportunity Act [AGOA]."

An early proponent of AGOA, the California Republican said: "We want to promote greater commercial links between America and Africa. There are many other challenges in Africa, but Africa needs greater trade and investment." He said the task now is to implement AGOA "in a way that maximizes commercial benefits to America and to eligible African countries."

AGOA offers non-quota, duty-free entry of African exports into the U.S. market by African countries that are making market-oriented reforms in their economies. So far, 35 sub-Saharan African nations have been deemed eligible for its benefits, which apply especially to textile and apparel exports.

According to Royce, "We are looking at the possibility of expanding AGOA" in the new Congress. "The first focus, however, is seeing that it's implemented in the most commercially meaningful way," he said.

While AGOA can help spur future economic growth in African nations, Royce nonetheless made plain that "Africa is at a critical juncture [now]. It can move toward greater stability and economic development, or it can slide into the abyss of conflict." In any case, he said, "America has a big stake in seeing that Africa develops in a positive direction."

Royce said war and civil strife in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Sierra Leone also are high on the subcommittee's agenda, adding, "In fact, our first [public] hearing will be on the turmoil in West Africa." Asked if he intended to focus on alternative security forces for Africa, a point he raised last year in a hearing on Sierra Leone, Royce said, "I'm sure this will come up in our first hearing."

Regarding how Africa will be viewed by President Bush's administration, Royce said: "We've seen encouraging signs early on. I know that the Congress will be attentive to the challenges and opportunities of the continent."

Asked to comment on South Africa and Nigeria's taking a greater hand in helping build democracy on the continent, Royce said, "I hope both countries play a large and constructive role beyond their borders."

Asked about possible congressional fact-finding trips, Royce said, "This firsthand experience is critical in developing support for improved relations with the nations of Africa. ...

"I have heard that J.C. Watts, [an African-American] member of the Republican [Party] leadership, will be leading a delegation to Africa in April."

(The Washington File is a product of the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)