Officials in the United States look upon Africans as people “in need of help” or people who “need to be told what to do”, and this is destroying relations between Africa and Washington, according to the former African Union representative to the US, Arikana Chihombori-Quao.
“The US needs to call a timeout and treat Africans with respect,” Chihombori told host Steve Clemons, adding that the US-Africa Leaders Summit hosted by the White House in December 13-15, 2022 “will fail unless Americans see Africans as equals”.
Chihombori-Quao argues that pan-African unity is the only path for the continent to be less dependent on outside powers.
First dropped: | Last modified: July 01, 2023
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Recent Articles on US-Africa Relations:
Title: US-Africa Leaders' Summit Exposes Fractured US-Africa Relations: Africa Needs More Than Promises
Link: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/us-africa-leaders-summit-exposes-fractured-us-africa-relations-africa-needs-more-than-promises/
Source: Brookings Institution
Description: This article analyzes the outcomes of the US-Africa Leaders' Summit and argues that it highlighted ongoing tensions and divergent priorities between the US and African nations. It emphasizes the need for the US to move beyond empty promises and engage in more equitable partnerships with African countries.
Relevance: This directly relates to the article on Mothcloud as it discusses the recent shift in African leaders' posture towards the US, aligning with the theme of questioning traditional power dynamics.
Date Published: December 15, 2022
Title: Blinken Announces $200 Million in Emergency Food Aid for Africa, Says US Committed to Long-Term Partnership
Link: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/blinken-announces-200-million-emergency-food-aid-africa-says-us-committed-2023-05-17/
Source: Reuters
Description: This news report covers US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's pledge of $200 million in emergency food aid to assist drought-stricken regions in Africa. The report also highlights Blinken's commitment to long-term collaboration with African countries.
Relevance: While offering aid is positive, the article on Mothcloud questions the underlying motivations behind such intervention and its efficacy in truly addressing Africa's needs.
Date Published: May 17, 2023
Title: As China Wins in Africa, U.S. Strategy Stumbles
Link: https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/china-wins-africa-us-strategy-stumbles
Source: VoxEU.org
Description: This article compares China's and the US's approaches to engagement with African nations. It argues that China's investments and non-interference approach have gained it favor in Africa, while the US's focus on security and democracy promotion has been less effective.
Relevance: This connects with the Mothcloud article by providing evidence for the growing presence and success of China in Africa, contributing to the shift in continental perspectives away from the US.
Date Published: October 26, 2022
Title: US-Africa Policy Needs a Reset | Africa Center
Link: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/africa-center/us-africa-policy-needs-a-reset/
Source: The Atlantic Council
Description: This article argues that the US's outdated Africa policy needs to be reassessed and restructured. It emphasizes the need for deeper economic and diplomatic engagement, taking into account African priorities and perspectives.
Relevance: This aligns with the call for a revised approach in the article on Mothcloud, urging the US to reconsider its engagement strategies with African countries.
Date Published: May 18, 2023
Title: African Union Commission Takes Charge of Continent’s Food Situation
Link: https://www.africa.com/african-union-commission-takes-charge-of-continents-food-situation/
Source: Africa.com
Description: This article discusses the African Union's efforts to address food insecurity on the continent, including mobilizing resources and strengthening local production capacity.
Relevance: This article connects to the Mothcloud piece by demonstrating proactive agency on the part of African nations to tackle their own challenges, further emphasizing the need for less dependence on external actors like the US.
Date Published: March 29, 2023