Washington/Pretoria: On Monday, the United States announced a new Africa Strategy to counter the efforts of Russia and China to increase their influence in the African continent. The objective of this new Africa Strategy would be to engage with African communities with a liberal mindset in an effort against the activities of China, Russia, and other countries. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken explained his stance on the new policy, stating that only the African countries will have the right to make decisions regarding their interests. The United States would not pressure the African countries to take any position, which is also expected from other countries.
Moreover, China has expanded its reach and influence across Africa over the last two decades. China has invested billions of dollars with a clear ambition of setting up a Chinese defence base in a country like Djibouti. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, China has prioritised the African continent. In the last few years, China has received a few setbacks as it has tried to command influence by imposing its economic might. Allegations on the Chinese regime of exploiting, looting, and controlling the African countries have intensified.
On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin is also trying to impose Russia’s influence on Africa. Russia has strategically partnered and increased cooperation with many African countries for energy and defence. Russian-based Wagner Group, an outsourced security contract company, has deployed their units in some African countries. This is another route to strengthen bases in different countries. Senior ministers, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, have visited Africa, which signifies the importance of the alliance. African countries have refused to support Ukraine and the West in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Analysts claim that this is an indication of the Russian influence in Africa.
Against this background, the Biden administration has announced the Africa Strategy to counter the influence of China and Russia. Last week, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield visited Africa. After that, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached the African continent. Through these visits and the new policy, the Biden administration seems to be trying to increase cooperation with Africa.
The new Africa policy of the Biden administration aims to address four issues: promoting liberal and free societies, emphasising democratic systems and security. At the same time, The US is promising economic opportunities and assisting in managing epidemics like Coronavirus. The new policy also cooperates with African countries on issues like environmental protection, climate change and energy. Although concrete or comprehensive financial support for the African continent has not been announced, the new policy suggests the priority given to the African continent under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment scheme.
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