Relations between the US and Africa are unlikely to improve while Trump remains president. But that doesn’t mean the continent should remain passive.
- Honorary Professor of International Relations, University of the Witwatersrand
The US Secretary of State’s mission to Africa will produce few benefits for the continent or for US-Africa relations.
Africa’s immediate challenge is to develop closer partnerships with those opposing US President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration’s incompetence makes it difficult for African countries to engage Washington in seeking meaningful explanations, much less substantive negotiations.
US President Donald Trump hasn’t proposed new initiatives for Africa but didn’t end those launched by his predecessors either.
If the G20 is to remain relevant in the quest for more inclusive and fair global governance, Africa offers an historic opportunity for collective action, despite the absence of the US under Trump.
If US President Donald Trump is the consummate dealmaker he purports to be, he should find the low risk, high returns of greater US-China-Africa cooperation irresistible.
Barack Obama’s high standing in sub-Sahara Africa persisted despite grumbling that he never delivered American largess to the degree many initially expected.
The Global Trends report provides a useful starting point to reflect on what’s in store for Africa over the next five years. And how the continent should think about responding to its challenges.
If Trump forsakes US support for the 2015 Paris Climate Accord as well as Obama’s bilateral climate agreement with China, the resultant rise of global warming will wreak havoc throughout Africa.
Besides worries that Donald Trump might not make Africa a priority of his presidency, his temperament and views bode ill for democracy on the continent.
How long the Anthropocene will last, and what will be its most enduring attributes, will not be driven and decided scientifically.
Achieving greater freedom and equality for all identity groups is African democrats’ primary goal. By contrast, American democrats have traditionally been preoccupied with individual rights.
Scenarios on global trends over the next 20 years point to some serious challenges for Africa. Whatever actually happens, it’s important for the continent to put in place mitigation strategies.
For the grand plans unveiled at the China-Africa summit to succeed, Africa will have to cooperate more extensively. The larger and more successful nations need to become sub-regional leaders.
The Africa-China summit will provide an opportunity to get a feel for how Chinese President Xi Jinping is responding to democratic developments in Africa.
Ivory Coast’s democratic election in 2015 may be another example of good news out of Africa that is ignored by the global media.
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