US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Angola highlights America’s growing concerns about the unfolding events in Africa. Despite the pressing issues in Ukraine and Gaza, Blinken’s attention on Africa underscores the gravity of the situation. The continent is facing six concurrent crises in regions such as the Sahel, Nigeria, Sudan, the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes Region, and Northern Mozambique.
In Niger, Blinken prioritizes negotiations with the ruling military to sustain the US drone base in Agadez. Furthermore, the deteriorating conditions in Nigeria demand urgent attention from Washington. The competition with China for influence in Africa also drives Blinken to showcase US achievements, like the Lobito Corridor project in Angola.
While emphasizing the US’s improved performance in investment and trade, Blinken also notes China’s faltering “Belt and Road” strategy in Africa. However, the trip reveals the Biden administration’s current inability to effectively address Africa’s challenges, exemplified by its limited initiatives and a focus on military assistance to ECOWAS members.
Regarding future engagements, the trip indicates that a potential visit by President Biden may only materialize if he is re-elected. In a parallel development, the departure of Judd Devermont, the Senior Director for African Affairs in the US National Security Council, suggests a shift in the US policy approach towards Africa. His exit signifies a perceived failure in promoting a less militaristic US agenda for Africa.
The security situation in Nigeria continues to deteriorate, with state governors resorting to arming civilians due to a lack of confidence in the government’s ability to ensure public safety. Civil society groups have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address the escalating violence and human rights abuses. Blinken faces a daunting task in Nigeria and across the continent until at least November 2024.
Daniel Volman, Director of the African Security Research Project in Washington, DC, and an expert on US national security policy toward Africa, provides insights into these unfolding events.
In a rapidly evolving global landscape, Blinken’s African tour underscores America’s struggle to assert its influence, raising questions about the country’s role in the post-hegemonic world.
