President Biden’s foreign policy has repeatedly ceded ground to America’s adversaries worldwide. Now, after decades of development work and billions in aid to Africa, including life-saving initiatives like PEPFAR, the U.S. is quickly losing the continent to warlords, Russian presence, and the Chinese Communist Party.
A striking example of such a decline occurred in March, when the American military was forced to leave Niger. Adding insult to injury, Russian forces quickly occupied the barracks built during the Trump administration for counter-terror operations. This incident clearly demonstrates how Africa is switching sides with other powerful states, no longer trusting the United States because of its current government.
For the past three decades, the Chinese foreign minister’s first foreign trip has always been to Africa, a strategy that has significantly benefited China. In 2001, the U.S. traded four times more with Africa than China did; by 2021, China’s trade with Africa ballooned to $254 billion compared to America’s $64 billion. There are now over 10,000 Chinese companies operating in Africa, controlling more than $2 trillion in value. The U.S. focused excessively on aid, neglecting trade opportunities.
In essence, Biden’s Africa policy has been a failure. While numerous factors contribute to this, the primary issue is a lack of presence and engagement.
The consequences of this neglect are severe. During the Trump administration, Sudan joined the Abraham Accords, was removed from the State Sponsors of Terror list, and was on a path toward greater prosperity and stability. In contrast, the Biden administration was caught unprepared by the outbreak of civil war in Sudan, which has driven 5 million Sudanese women and children to the brink of famine. Despite the severe humanitarian crisis, the U.S. has no credible plan to end the conflict, and the administration largely ignores it.
Increasingly, African nations see less need for American support when they can turn to Beijing for economic needs and Moscow for security. China and Russia are gaining influence across the continent.
To counter Chinese influence, the U.S. must focus on trade. The Trump administration had nearly completed a free trade agreement with Kenya, but the Biden administration let the opportunity slip by allowing the trade promotion authority to expire. America needs to close deals and create markets for its companies.
Radical social agendas and failed green technology promises have turned off many in Africa. Expensive and often ineffective solar and wind farms won’t suffice. Africa needs a comprehensive energy strategy, including clean and affordable Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Developing natural gas infrastructure and ending Biden’s political LNG export ban would help American companies and reduce the reliance on Russian and Qatari LNG.
Biden’s policy towards Africa failed. He failed to keep his promises, missed many lucrative chances and lost his position in Africa, handing them over to other states.
