The United States is pursuing an "increasingly aggressive imperialist policy" toward African nations, Pan-African activist Egountchi Behanzin told Sputnik Africa in a recent interview.
Behanzin contrasted the US approach with that of France, which has faced widespread public rejection among African nations over the former colonizer's policies and agenda on the continent.
"We used to think that the United States was a fearsome power, and now we're discovering that it is ultimately strong against the weak and weak against the strong," he told Sputnik Africa.
He further noted that the US is being pushed out of Africa because it is perceived as "a more dangerous power than France."
In April, Chad's leadership sent a letter to the U.S. defense attaché informing him that Ndjamena was terminating the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Washington. The exact number of US troops in the African nation is unclear, but US officials insist it doesn't exceed 100 soldiers. The move comes after US troops were forced out of Niger.
Shifting Tides
Discussing the changing attitude of Africans towards Russia, Behanzin noted that a growing number of Africans are feeling a stronger affinity with Russia than with the West.
He highlighted a shift in perception, stating that Africans view Russia as a champion for a multipolar world and a supporter of African liberation and stability.
Behanzin also noted the unintended consequences of Western media's portrayal of Russia, stating that "thanks to the special operation in Ukraine and the spotlight on Russia, the Western media's sudden demonization of Russia is having the opposite effect."
He emphasized that cooperation between Moscow and African nations is "much appreciated".
However, "Africans are not looking for a new master or a new colonizer, contrary to what the Western press propagates.