Leading GOP Senators have criticized the Biden administration’s foreign policy, particularly in Africa, where two West African countries are leaning towards Moscow and allowing Russian mercenary forces to enter the region. Sen. Tim Scott described Biden’s foreign policy as a “disaster” and raised concerns about the weakening of U.S. strategic interests with African partners. The U.S. is facing challenges in maintaining its influence in West Africa as Russia gains influence, often at America’s expense. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley highlighted the impact of terrorism on African lives and the spread of violent extremism and Russian exploitation across the continent.
Sen. James Risch emphasized the importance of the U.S. taking stronger policy actions in partnership with African people to reverse the trend of African nations favoring anti-Western views. Despite the administration’s rhetoric about its successes in Africa, the continent is not a top foreign policy focus, as demonstrated by the administration’s actions, budgets, and policies. The U.S. is facing competition from Russia and China in Africa, with Russia strategically working to expand its footprint and reduce Western influence in the region. The U.S. is also losing influence in Africa to China, which has significant economic ties with the continent.
Niger’s military junta has asked U.S. military personnel and contractors to leave town while permitting Russian Wagner mercenaries to operate from the same airbase as American personnel. Chad has also instructed some U.S. service members to depart, raising concerns about the growing influence of Russia in the region. The potential departure of U.S. forces from Niger and Chad is seen as a win for Putin, with Russia taking advantage of the void left by fractured relationships between Western countries and Sahelian governments. The U.S. is facing challenges in maintaining its position in West Africa, as Russia fills a specific security demand gap in the region.
China’s presence in Africa is primarily focused on securing financial benefits and market access, rather than using its influence for Western containment. However, China’s economic ties with Africa far surpass those of the U.S. and Russia. To address its declining position in Africa, the U.S. should focus on building genuine partnerships with African nations, prioritizing investments, economic development, security cooperation, and addressing shared challenges such as climate change and public health. A shift in narrative, approaches, and actions is needed to make Africa a direct focus rather than a terrain for geopolitical disputes. The U.S. must engage with African countries as partners, not vehicles or proxies, to increase its influence and address the challenges facing the continent.
