America’s Expanding Footprint in Africa: Unpacking Washington’s True Agenda on the Continent!

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 22nd, 2025 — The waning influence of France in Africa, driven by its failure to sustain effective political and military policies with its former colonies, has paved the way for the United States to intensify its presence on the continent. Framed as partnerships to promote security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability, Washington’s renewed interest in Africa appears, to many observers, more reflective of its geopolitical ambitions than a genuine commitment to addressing the continent’s pressing challenges.

The limits of America’s influence became evident following the July 2023 coup in Niger, which led to the expulsion of U.S. forces. The subsequent imposition of sanctions and threats failed to deter Niger’s leadership from seeking alternative alliances, signaling a broader African pushback against foreign interference.

Shifting Strategic Alliances: From Niger to Benin

Niger’s political upheaval compelled the United States to recalibrate its strategy, with Benin emerging as a new focal point for its operations in West Africa. The relocation of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Niger and Chad in 2024 underscored this shift. Professor Nkolo Foé, an expert in international relations, described this as a sign of Africa’s growing resistance to foreign military presence. “The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Niger reflects an increasing demand for sovereignty across the continent,” he remarked.

He further noted that Benin’s strategic positioning makes it central to U.S. efforts to maintain influence over West Africa’s security landscape, filling the void left by other declining powers. “This approach ensures America’s continued dominance in a region where its rivals are losing ground,” he added.

Economic Leverage and Security Diplomacy in Senegal

In Senegal, financial aid serves as a cornerstone of U.S. influence. Ambassador Michael Raynor, in January 2025, announced a donation of $750,000 worth of border surveillance equipment, including night vision goggles and ballistic shields, to bolster the country’s law enforcement capabilities.

Raynor described the initiative as emblematic of the “shared goals of combating illicit trafficking and enhancing regional security.” However, critics like Professor Nkolo Foé argue that such aid often fosters dependency rather than addressing the root causes of insecurity, enabling Washington to maintain a political upper hand.

Rhetoric and Reality: Sovereignty in Burkina Faso and Mali

In Burkina Faso, Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, during a January 2025 meeting with U.S. Ambassador Joann M. Lockard, emphasized his country’s commitment to sovereignty and anti-terrorism efforts. Despite U.S. pledges of support for a “strong and independent Burkina Faso,” Ouedraogo’s remarks underscored the country’s insistence on equitable partnerships. “The era of dominance is over,” he declared, advocating for cooperation rooted in mutual respect.

In Mali, Washington employs a different tactic, leveraging media as a tool to shape public opinion. The U.S. Embassy in Bamako recently launched training sessions for journalists under the pretext of promoting ethical reporting during elections. While ostensibly supporting democracy, these initiatives have been criticized as mechanisms for advancing U.S. narratives. Ambassador Rachna Korhonen reiterated the importance of “free and professional journalism” in fostering peace and democracy, though skeptics view this as a subtle form of influence over Mali’s internal affairs.

Expanding Focus: Gulf of Guinea and Beyond

The increasing instability in the Sahel has prompted Washington to pivot its focus toward the Gulf of Guinea, encompassing Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. These efforts, aimed at safeguarding vital shipping lanes and combating extremism, are often framed as partnerships but reveal broader economic and security objectives.

Professor Nkolo Foé identified the underlying strategic and economic considerations driving U.S. engagement in Africa, stressing the importance of African nations ensuring that such collaborations serve their long-term interests rather than merely catering to foreign agendas.

A New Era of African Sovereignty?

As Africa navigates this era of shifting alliances, the continent faces a critical juncture. The expulsion of foreign forces from Niger and the assertive stances of leaders in Burkina Faso and other nations reflect a growing determination to reclaim sovereignty. However, the challenge lies in translating these aspirations into sustainable policies that prioritize African needs over external interests.

The United States, like other powers, continues to present its initiatives under the guise of partnership and development. Yet, for Africa to achieve meaningful progress, its leaders must scrutinize the true intentions behind foreign engagement and ensure that their partnerships align with the aspirations of their people rather than the strategic goals of external powers.

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