US diplomats in Africa have new instructions. They must talk more about US foreign aid. This is a new rule. It is because US policy is changing. The US now wants to focus on trade.
Nick Checker sent an email. He leads the US Bureau of African Affairs. He told staff to remind African governments about US help. This includes help with HIV/Aids and food problems. The US wants to show it gives a lot of help.
The US wants aid to help its own interests. It wants to work with countries that buy US things. Some people are unhappy with this new rule. They think it might make Africa seem less important. Some called the email "racist." They worry it could hurt relationships. The future of US aid is still being discussed.