By John Ikani
Gather around and peruse closely! We’ve got a hot topic on this page. What do the US, Russia, China, and Turkey have in common? Well, it’s official, – all four powerhouses have caught the African travel bug! In January alone, they sent their top diplomats on a whirlwind tour of 14 African nations.
But what’s the reason for the sudden surge of visits to our beloved continent? Let’s find out together!
To start with, did you know that Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine helped position Africa as a major player in critical validation with the US leading the charge in seeking support from African nations to condemn Russia’s actions?
Although no fewer than 19 African countries abstained from a UN vote to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there is no denying the fact that the conflict is still impacting millions on the continent.
Take Ghana for instance where the West African nation’s economic woes have been compounded by the fallout of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. That explains why the US representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, made a pit stop in Ghana last month. She also stopped by Kenya and Mozambique to make sure the African front against Russia stays strong.
While the US was rallying support against Russia, Moscow wasn’t sitting idly by. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hit the road and headed to Eswatini, South Africa, and Eritrea – three nations that have kept their loyalty to Moscow rock solid through thick and thin, war and peace.
But wait, there’s more! The visits aren’t just about diplomacy, trade is also on the menu. Lavrov extended a personal invitation to some African leaders to attend the second Russia-Africa economic summit in July. Talk about high-level networking!
The US isn’t lagging behind either. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen hit the ground running, touring Zambia, South Africa, and Senegal. Her mission: to make sure the deals made at last year’s joint summit between the US and Africa are enforced.
Remember, the US promised $55 billion in support to the continent? Looks like Africa is the new power player in town!
On an insecure note, it appears the US has been closely following China’s moves on the African continent. Uncle Sam is worried about being overshadowed by the influence of the Asian giant.
When the US accused China of entrapping the continent in debt, Beijing took the high road by waiving loans for 17 African countries in 2022.
Chinese Foreign minister Qin Gang went on to play on the US’ insecurities by expanding infrastructural projects in Benin and Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, prowling at the foothills of ‘mount influence’ is Turkey, a nation whose Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has toured five African countries, promising the continent that it would provide grain and fertilizer as shortages arising from the Ukraine war bite harder.
To be fair to Turkey, the transcontinental country isn’t cashing in on hunger in Africa. We won’t be quick to forget how she’s steadily making her mark as a security partner, providing drones to Niger and Mali in recent years.
How do we make sense of all these?
Regardless of the end game, (be it the covert or overt agenda of the powerhouses), one thing is certain, our beloved continent is shaping global diplomacy!
It is also – now, more than ever, – well positioned to play important roles in political and economic shifts of the current decade.
