Top US Africa Official Troy Fitrell to Retire in July, Successor Named

Top US Africa Official Troy Fitrell to Retire in July, Successor Named

The U.S. State Department announced that Troy Fitrell, the senior official in charge of Africa affairs, will retire in mid-July. His role will be succeeded by Jonathan Pratt, the department’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa.

Fitrell, a former U.S. Ambassador to Guinea, has led the bureau in an acting capacity since an assistant secretary position remains unfilled. Pratt, who previously served as Ambassador to Djibouti and held posts in Congo, Sudan, and Angola, brings extensive regional experience.

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Fitrell’s departure comes amid a broader shift in U.S. policy toward Africa, with a focus on trade rather than aid, as the Trump administration aims to counter Chinese and Russian influence, especially over minerals and trade opportunities on the continent.

Fitrell notified colleagues of his plans to depart by July 15, but declined to comment publicly. Last month, he emphasized efforts to facilitate commercial opportunities for U.S. companies in Africa.