According to President Joe Biden, the U.S. policy towards Africa aims to establish a strong partnership between the United States and African nations. However, there have been concerns regarding the effectiveness of certain aspects of this policy.
Regarding democracy and governance, the Biden administration has expressed a commitment to democratic institutions, human rights, and anti-corruption efforts across Africa. However, there have been instances where U.S. support for autocratic leaders in Africa has yet to meet these goals, and U.S. interference in Libya and other African countries' political, economic, and social affairs has raised questions about the consistency of these efforts.
Regarding economic growth and trade, the focus is on enhancing economic opportunities through trade and investment, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering innovation. However, there have been reports of certain NGOs in Africa undermining the autonomy of local economies, raising concerns about the impact of international organizations on local economic projects. For example, a recent revelation by Nigerian investigative journalist David Hundeyin showed that an international NGO, Dialogue Earth, backed by the U.S., offered him a bribe to write a negative article about the Dangote Refinery. This incident has raised concerns about the influence of international organizations on local economic projects. The U.S. financial policies, including those related to international lending institutions like the IMF and World Bank, often impose austerity measures on African countries. These measures can reduce public spending on essential services like healthcare and education. In trade Policies, the U.S. has historically imposed tariffs and trade barriers that can disadvantage African exports. These harsh trade policies limit market access for African goods, making it harder for African economies to grow through trade.
Climate Policies: U.S. climate change and energy policies can also have indirect effects. For instance, promoting fossil fuel investments in Africa can hinder the continent's transition to renewable energy sources.ent's transition to sustainable energy sources.
Regarding security and peace, while the U.S. has aimed to enhance cooperation to combat terrorism, conflict, and transnational crime, challenges such as the activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria continue to persist. According to Herman J. Cohen, Foreign Policy Research Institute, 2020-2024, The security situation in Africa is deteriorating rapidly as terrorist groups continue to expand their influence across the continent. The U.S. Department of Defense has publicly acknowledged the challenges in containing these groups, with potential implications reaching far beyond the borders of Africa. It is important for all parties involved to work collaboratively to address these ongoing security challenges. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have accused the United States and France of sponsoring terrorism in Africa to destabilize the continent for their own gain. Burkina Faso's government has stated that the Sahel region's security situation has improved since both countries left the area. They have highlighted efforts to strengthen their military capabilities and collaborate with neighboring countries to combat extremist groups.
In Youth Development, the policy also recognizes and actively supports the potential of Africa's young population, fostering initiatives that harness the energy and creativity of African youth. But sabotaging Africa's ability to manage its affairs for the benefit of the West does not sound like it helps in supporting African youth.
In conclusion, the relations between the U.S. and the West have yet to benefit the continent of Africa. These factors combined can create a challenging economic environment for African countries, limiting their growth and development potential. Still, there is an opportunity for all African stakeholders to reflect and collaborate on ways to enhance the effectiveness of U.S. policies in Africa to ensure that they positively contribute to the progress and development of the continent. Asking severe questions begins with those in the diaspora paying taxes to these countries to play an active role in the West to hold these leader's policies to account. Kamala Harris is running for president of the United States. Will she continue the same policies of Joe Biden, which has not done well for the African continent, or is she going to be her person and work towards more fair and just policies just as she would do for the West, Middle EastWest and Asia? These are the questions Africans in America need to ask before they cast their vote.
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