As global powers jostle for influence, Africa finds itself at the center of geopolitical shifts, and the continent must seize this moment to redefine its role in global affairs and assert its sovereignty, Dr. Nicodemus Minde, PhD in International Relations and a researcher in Nairobi, Kenya, told Sputnik Africa.
Minde noted that Africa has already become “a battleground for great power politics, and not just US and China.” While the United States has ramped up efforts to counter China's influence on the continent, he suggested these confrontations may diminish, leaving Africa to navigate its alliances more strategically.
Reflecting on the implications of a renewed Trump administration, Minde emphasized that Africa’s reliance on external aid could change dramatically.
"I think it is a good thing for Africa now, [...] it would mean that Africa would become more innovative in terms of its sourcing of its own financial obligations," he said, adding that this could bolster the continent’s sovereignty and reduce dependence on Western assistance.
When asked about the potential rift between the US and Europe under Trump’s transactional diplomacy, Minde described a shift away from traditional alliances.
“The US-European relationship was more of a cooperative relationship or alliance,” he explained, but under Trump’s “America First” approach, it could become more transactional.
In terms of US policy towards Africa, Minde anticipates a continued focus on security and economics rather than humanitarian aid.
“I foresee a situation where it would be the same in Africa. It would be more focused mostly on economics and security interests rather than on humanitarian and development factors,” he said.
Ultimately, Minde believes the continent must take this opportunity to advocate for its own agenda.
“It is also high time for the West African countries to really push their own agenda, an independent agenda, and ways in which they can be able to fund their developmental projects away from Western support,” he concluded.