During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the political situations in Togo and Malawi.

Senators expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Sudan, described as potentially the worst in the world by NGOs. One senator emphasized the need for increased visibility and prioritization of efforts to address the situation, indicating a commitment to collaborate with colleagues to bring more attention to the issue.

The meeting also addressed Togo's eligibility for development assistance through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Despite Togo's economic improvements, concerns were raised about its low civil liberties ratings and ongoing human rights violations. A nominee for a key position stated that if confirmed, they would leverage MCC resources to encourage political reforms in Togo, stressing the importance of maintaining eligibility for assistance.

In Malawi, discussions highlighted rampant corruption, with recent reports indicating a lack of effective investigations and convictions despite numerous cases being opened. The nominee for ambassador to Malawi acknowledged the challenges and pledged to advocate for stronger anti-corruption measures, linking these efforts to the country's economic growth. They noted that attracting foreign investment would require demonstrable progress in curbing corruption.

Throughout the meeting, senators underscored the importance of regular updates on progress in these countries, emphasizing the need for sustained engagement and accountability in U.S. foreign relations.