William M. Bellamy is a senior adviser to the Africa Program at CSIS and Warburg Professor of International Relations at Simmons University in Boston, MA. He was previously director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., and, before that, senior vice president of the National Defense University itself. Ambassador Bellamy retired from the Foreign Service after a 30-year career in 2007. His last overseas posting was as U.S. ambassador to Kenya (2003–2006), where he directed U.S. security programs in the Horn of Africa, supervised the U.S. government’s largest foreign HIV/AIDS program, and led multinational efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance. He has served as principal deputy assistant secretary of state for African affairs (2001–2003) and as deputy assistant secretary of state for African affairs (2000–2001). His earlier diplomatic assignments include deputy chief of mission in Canberra (1997–2000), political minister-counselor in Paris (1993–1997), and political counselor in Pretoria and Cape Town (1991–1993). In South Africa, he was closely engaged in U.S. diplomatic efforts to promote a peaceful transition from apartheid to democratic rule.

Ambassador Bellamy holds a B.A. in history from Occidental College and an M.A. in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He holds certificates from the Institute Universitaire de Hautes Etudes Internationales in Geneva and the Ecole Nationale d’Administration in Paris. He is the recipient of a Presidential Meritorious Service Award, the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Distinguished Civilian Service Award, and a Distinguished Honor Award and two Superior Honor Awards conferred by the U.S. secretary of state.

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What Africa Experts Are Watching in 2023

To preview some of the top stories in 2023, the CSIS Africa Program presents its annual list of key countries and issues to watch this year.

Commentary by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele , Catherine Nzuki , William Mark Bellamy , Mimi Alemayehou , Maria E. Burnett , Emilia Columbo , Ryan Cummings , Cameron Hudson , and Laird Treiber — March 8, 2023

U.S. Priorities in Eastern Africa

The upcoming Africa Leaders Summit is an opportunity for the United States to address the war in Ethiopia, insecurity in Somalia, and support the region's economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Commentary by William Mark Bellamy — December 8, 2022

What to Watch in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022

The CSIS Africa Program previews some of the top stories and trends in the region for 2022.

Commentary by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele , William Mark Bellamy , Hannah Ryder , Laird Treiber , Emilia Columbo , Will Brown , Rafiq Raji , Ryan Cummings , Maria E. Burnett , and Marielle Harris — January 20, 2022

What African Leaders Want at Biden’s Climate Summit

Five African leaders are attending Biden's Leaders Summit on Climate. The CSIS Africa Program previews their climate objectives and outlines their political, economic, and regional priorities.

Commentary by William Mark Bellamy , Mvemba Phezo Dizolele , Idayat Hassan , Judd Devermont , and Topaz Mukulu — April 21, 2021

Kenya’s Case of Covid-19

How is the Covid-19 pandemic playing out in Kenya? Former U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Mark Bellamy discusses its effects on the economy, police brutality, and opposition suppression and outlines opportunities for the U.S. government to support its East African partner.

Critical Questions by William Mark Bellamy — June 16, 2020

What to Watch in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2020

The CSIS Africa Program examines some of sub-Saharan Africa’s top stories for 2020, with hard-hitting implications for regional governments and international partners.

Commentary by William Mark Bellamy , Emilia Columbo , Mvemba Phezo Dizolele , Jon Temin , Judd Devermont , Marielle Harris , and Richard Downie — January 10, 2020

Elections Deepen Kenya’s Partisan Divide

After two elections, two supreme court decisions, and almost four months of waiting, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was finally sworn in on November 28 to a second term of office. It was not the joyous occasion Kenyatta’s supporters had hoped for.

Commentary by William Mark Bellamy — January 4, 2018

Raila Odinga on the Kenyan Elections

Kenya faces a crisis in its democratic development following the Supreme Court’s annulment of the August presidential election result and the boycott of the re-run by Raila Odinga. Mr. Odinga will explain his reasons for withdrawing from the October 26 re-run, outline his next steps, and offer his prognosis for Kenya’s democratic health, peace, and stability.

Event by William Mark Bellamy and Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga — November 9, 2017