(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)March 11, 2010

(MAHWAH, NJ) – Ambassador George Staples, a Schomburg Scholar, presented a lecture and spoke to classes at Ramapo College March 11 and 12, 2010. The theme of his lecture, as well as talks to classes, was “Genocide and Civil War in Africa.”

While seeing continuing problems with tribalism, corruption, donor fatigue, rogue militias and HIV/Aids, there are also hopeful signs on the horizon for sub-Saharan Africa. The internet, cell phones and satellite as well as cable TV have brought previously underserved populations in remote corners of the continent into the information age and made them aware that their lives could be organized differently than under their often authoritarian and corrupt regimes. Ambassador Staples pointed out that South African entrepreneurs and corporations are playing a key part in this process, not just as investors, but also as role models.

We are, according to Staples, also seeing positive developments in the realm of education. African families continue to make great sacrifices to send their children to school. Among their number are an increasing proportion of girls, whose future from an early age was previously seen in the fields and the markets as opposed to the classroom.

To the surprise of some listeners, Ambassador Staples did not always have kind words to say about the activities of Non Government Organizations (NGOs) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Under the guise of relief operations in conflict situations, including during the Rwandan Genocide, they have, in his view, provided safe havens for perpetrators. Unfortunately, he has often seen development projects under NGO aegis as fostering a culture of dependency and mutual self-interest.

As to the U.S. role in Africa, Ambassador Staples favored a more activist approach in the future. From his perspective, it was imperative that the U.S. act in concert with international and regional bodies to put “boots on the ground” in the event of crisis. We have to understand, in his view, that even if American forces are not directly involved, without transportation and logistical involvement from U.S. and other NATO forces deployments are not viable. From what he has seen, moreover, shying away from “national building” is not an option. In this connection, he was firm in his belief that our peace and security come at a cost.

Ambassador George M. Staples was a career member of the Foreign Service for 25 years and was Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of the Bureau of Human Resources at the U.S. Department of State. He was also the Political Advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) at NATO in Belgium. From 1998 through 2001 he served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda, followed by his service from 2001 through 2004 as U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Ambassador Staples has also served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Bahrain and Zimbabwe, Senior Watch Officer in the State Department’s Operation Center, and as Senior Turkey Desk Officer in the Bureau of European Affairs during the first Gulf War. His other assignments include: The Bahamas, Uruguay, and El Salvador. He also served as a National Security Fellow at the Hoover Institution.

Prior to joining the State Department, Ambassador Staples served as a military officer in the U.S. Air Force, and as a manager in private industry. Ambassador Staples speaks French, Spanish and Turkish.

Ambassador Staples, who holds the rank of Career Minister, was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1947. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Southern California and an M.A. in Business from Central Michigan University. Ambassador Staples is an adjunct professor for diplomacy and development at the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Diplomacy. Founded in 1983, the Academy “?¦explore[s] ways in which persons who had served in positions of major responsibility could cooperate to promote the highest standards in the practice of American diplomacy.”

Throughout his time at Ramapo, Ambassador Staples found enthusiastic discussion partners. In particular, he praised the students encountered during his classroom visits, whose questions and comments he characterized as incisive and well informed.

Ambassador Staples’ visit was supported by a grant from the Schomburg Visiting Scholars Program. It took place under the auspices of the Africana Studies program, the Diversity Action Committee, and the Gross Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies of Ramapo College.

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