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Are African Leaders Becoming Casualties of U.S. Power Politics? Written by: Elvis Onuigbo |
Africa, as always, watched closely.
But this time, the stakes feel different.
Is Trump simply pursuing American interests like every U.S. president, or is Africa being treated as a bargaining chip in a larger geopolitical game?
More importantly, are African leaders unwittingly adopting a kind of politics that could weaken their own democracies?
A Transactional Approach to Africa
Trump’s political philosophy has always focused on transactions. Alliances are measured by value. Partnerships are judged by returns. Aid is considered in light of benefits.
For Africa, this led to a more calculated relationship:
Aid discussions linked to U.S. interests
Increased scrutiny of trade agreements
Strong rhetoric about immigration
A renewed effort to counter Chinese expansion
Unlike past administrations that viewed Africa mainly through development and diplomacy, Trump’s tone was sharper, more strategic, and less sentimental.
Supporters call it realism.
Critics call it cold geopolitics.
Africa in the Crossfire of U.S.-China Rivalry
Africa today is not lacking in importance; it holds significant strategic value.
With rare earth minerals and expanding consumer markets, the continent has become central to global competition.
The Trump-era strategy made it clear: Washington was no longer willing to let Beijing dominate infrastructure, telecommunications, and lending in African capitals.
The message to African leaders was subtle but firm: Choose wisely. However, Africa is not a battleground; it is a sovereign region with its own agenda. The issue arises when global powers treat it as territory to conquer rather than partners to respect.
Beyond policy, tone plays a crucial role in diplomacy. Trump’s past comments about African nations stirred controversy and strained diplomatic ties. While some dismissed them as blunt, others saw them as a sign of deeper disregard.
In politics, how things are perceived can hold more weight than the policies themselves.
Perception shapes trust. For many Africans, the concern wasn’t just about trade deals or aid packages; it was about respect.
Is Trump Playing Politics With Africa?
Let’s be clear: every major power engages in global politics. The United States is no exception.
The real question is whether Africa is negotiating from a position of strength or reacting from vulnerability.
Trump’s approach is not unique in seeking American interests. What sets it apart is its unapologetic style and zero-sum perspective.
Deals are seen as wins or losses.
Allies are viewed as assets or liabilities.
Influence is measured by leverage.
In such a system, weaker negotiators quickly lose ground.
The Rise of “Trumparisation Syndrome”
Across the globe, Trump’s political style inspired imitation:
Confrontational leadership
Nationalist rhetoric
Media battles
Strongman branding
Polarizing narratives
Some African leaders seem drawn to this model.
It is bold.
It is dramatic.
It grabs attention.
But attention does not equal governance. Democracy cannot thrive on personality alone. Africa’s political environments are fragile.
Many countries are still working to strengthen electoral systems, judicial independence, and press freedom. Introducing extreme polarization into these fragile democracies can lead to instability.
Bringing in combative politics without robust institutions is like installing a powerful engine in a weak car.
True independence involves engaging with global powers without losing direction.
Africa does not need to align blindly with Washington. Nor with Beijing. Nor with Moscow.
It needs a balanced approach. Countries that achieve diplomatic neutrality gain leverage. Those that swing wildly between superpowers risk becoming dependent.
The African Union was created to enhance collective bargaining power. Yet unity remains inconsistent.
A divided Africa negotiates from weakness.
A united Africa negotiates from strength.
Beyond politics, economics tells a deeper story.
Africa must:
Boost intra-African trade
Strengthen manufacturing capability
Invest in youth innovation
Decrease debt reliance
Protect natural resources
As economic independence grows, political manipulation decreases.
No foreign power can “suffocate” a continent that controls its own economic resources.
The Danger of Political Imitation,Populist politics thrives on spectacle. But African development requires substance.
What works in American domestic politics may not translate well into African governance systems shaped by ethnic diversity, post-colonial dynamics, and economic inequality.
Strong rhetoric may energize supporters.
It can also deepen divisions. And divisions come at a cost. Africa’s Leverage in a Changing World the world is moving toward multipolarity.
The United States remains powerful.
China is rising. Europe is adjusting. India is expanding.
Africa is no longer overlooked in global discussions.
Its population is young.
Its resources are essential.
Its markets are growing.
This gives African leaders leverage if they recognize it.
The continent doesn’t need to react emotionally to any global leader. It needs to negotiate confidently with all of them.