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April 29, 2021 In our “Africa Reacts” series, the CSIS Africa Program asks prominent African journalists, civil society activists, and thought leaders to share their analysis on the U.S. political process. By flipping the script—featuring African analysts’ views on U.S. politics rather than U.S. analysts’ opinions on African developments—we are seeking to start a new conversation about the future of U.S.-African relations. In our ninth installation, we asked top African experts to provide their reactions to President Joe Biden’s first 100 days in office. What has changed, and what remains the same? What are African publics saying about the new U.S. president, and what does that portend for U.S.-Africa relations? Many analysts applauded the symbolic steps Biden has taken to mend ties with Africa, including his opening remarks at February’s African Union Summit and by making phone calls to numerous African heads of state. Others decried the Biden administration’s weak response to democratic backsliding and election irregularities across the region, including in Uganda, while others celebrated the conviction of Derek Chauvin as a positive development demonstrating a resilient U.S. democracy. Finally, some experts noted that a return to mutual respect and multilateralism is welcome, but that African governments and publics are still waiting for Biden to unveil his official Africa policy.