The era of coups in Africa Continues

[ll74]

Foreign influence and interference remains a driving force in Africa. It's worth noting Russian support of Niger's coup and France/US opposition. China seems to believe their interests aren't bothered even though they have increased presence there in recent years.

The region has an abundance of Uranium, making stability and good relations important for the world's super powers.

West Africa threatens force on Niger coup leaders, French embassy attacked
What the Niger coup means for China’s presence in the Sahel region

In the past three years there have also been coups in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Chad and Sudan,

All the while the US state department presence dwindled during the previous administration and recovery has been difficult

Trump’s Dangerous Retreat from Africa
Trump wrongly ignores Africa

This is only going to get worse. I appreciate the new and important diplomatic interest in the region
Biden’s Africa strategy seeks to revitalize ties with the continent

 

[ll74]

This is a good take on the situation in Africa.

China has stepped in while US aid to Africa has retreated. Developing infrastructure and needed aid has only increased their preference towards countries who have provided it....China has been smart.

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/...ina-the-european-union-and-the-united-states/

China’s role on the African continent has been defined by the financing of more than 3,000, largely critical, infrastructure projects, according to the AidData Project. China has extended more than $86 billion in commercial loans to African governments and state-owned entities between 2000 and 2014, an average of about $6 billion a year. In 2015, at the sixth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Xi Jinping pledged $60 billion in commercial loans to the region, which would increase lending to at least $20 billion a year if that pledge is fulfilled.

As a result, China has become the region’s largest creditor, accounting for 14 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s total debt stock,

 

[ll74]

The Ukraine invasion and subsequent Russian bombing/destruction of the grain industry of Ukraine has strained their influence in Africa. Grain exports to Africa from Ukraine have been severely impaired. This could lead to an opportunity for the west to step in. It could also lead to China stepping in further.

Second Russia-Africa Summit Lays Bare Russia’s Waning Influence

 

[Bray123]

China takes the long view regarding their world influence. The US (and UK and other Western democracies) only care as far as the next opinion poll. They don't even worry about the next election. Some politicians only care as far as who is managing their bank account.

There is no way that Reagan would have proposed allowing Putin to march unopposed across Ukraine.

 

[schism666]

you didn't blame sleepy joe.

thread fail.

 

[ll74]

China takes the long view regarding their world influence. The US (and UK and other Western democracies) only care as far as the next opinion poll. They don't even worry about the next election. Some politicians only care as far as who is managing their bank account.

There is no way that Reagan would have proposed allowing Putin to march unopposed across Ukraine.

Short worldviews are a result of lazy and unengaged electorate. Especially when isolationists take the wheel. It's very disappointing.

As I've said before, either the US is a leader or it isn't.

 

[Bray123]

Republicans are currently complaining about involvement in disputes around the globe. Only 'globalists' do that apparently.

Hopefully they'll shut the hell up about the President being 'The Leader of the Free World'.