Jendayi Frazer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dr. Jendayi Frazer
15th Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
In office August 29, 2005 – January 20, 2009
President	George W. Bush
Preceded by	Constance Berry Newman
Succeeded by	Johnnie Carson
United States Ambassador to South Africa
In office May 25, 2004 – August 26, 2005
President	George W. Bush
Preceded by	Cameron R. Hume
Succeeded by	Eric M. Bost
Personal details
Born	1961 (age 63–64) Virginia
Political party	Republican

Jendayi Elizabeth Frazer, born in 1961, is an important American diplomat. She used to be the top U.S. official for African affairs. This means she helped guide America's relationships with countries in Africa. She also taught at Carnegie Mellon University.

Early Life and Education

Jendayi Frazer was born in Virginia in 1961. She went to Stanford University. There, she earned degrees in political science and African-American Studies. She also got advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in political science. While at Stanford, she studied with Condoleezza Rice, who later became a U.S. Secretary of State.

Career in Government

Before her role as Assistant Secretary, Dr. Frazer worked closely with the U.S. President. She was a senior director for African affairs on the National Security Council. This group advises the President on national security and foreign policy. She was also the first woman to be the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa. An ambassador represents their country in another nation.

Shaping African Policy

Dr. Frazer is an expert in African affairs and international security. During her time on the National Security Council, she helped create important programs. One was the $15 billion President's Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This program helped many people in Africa. She also helped start the Millennium Challenge Account. This program increased U.S. aid to Africa to $4.1 billion in 2006.

She is also known for helping to end wars in several African countries. These included the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Burundi. Dr. Frazer often spoke out against armed groups in Africa. She supported peaceful movements that worked for democratic change.

Time as Assistant Secretary

Dr. Frazer served as the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 2005 to 2009. She was known for being a very strong and outspoken leader. Some people praised her work, saying that U.S. policy in Africa during this time was very successful. However, some reports also pointed out challenges within the Africa Bureau.

Dr. Frazer also had a role in discussions about the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea. She also faced claims about U.S. involvement in Somalia. However, U.S. officials denied these claims.

Key Diplomatic Missions

Dr. Frazer traveled to Africa many times to help resolve conflicts and support peace.

Somalia Discussions

In January 2007, Dr. Frazer met with leaders from Somalia in Nairobi, Kenya. They talked about how the United States could support Somalia's interim government. She later made a surprise visit to Mogadishu, Somalia in April 2007. There, she met with Somali leaders to help with national reconciliation.

Kenya's Political Dispute

In January 2008, President George W. Bush sent Dr. Frazer to Kenya. Her mission was to help solve a political problem after the 2007 presidential election. She met with both the President and the opposition leader to find a solution.

Zimbabwe's Election

In April 2008, Dr. Frazer stated that the opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, had won the election in Zimbabwe. She believed that President Robert Mugabe should step down.

Later Career and Views

After leaving government, Dr. Frazer continued to share her opinions on African policy. She has been critical of some approaches to U.S. relations with Africa. She believes the U.S. should focus more on its strategic interests there.

Dr. Frazer has also expressed concerns about the International Criminal Court. In 2015, she said it unfairly targeted African leaders.

In 2016, Dr. Frazer was one of many national security experts who signed a letter. This letter was critical of Donald Trump, who was then a candidate for president. They believed he was not suitable for the office.

Today, Dr. Frazer serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations. She is also a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institute at Stanford University.