Africa is the scene of the new Russia/USA cold war.
The new Cold War is now being fought in Africa, with the United States of America (USA) trying to strengthen its presence on the African continent, to combat the growing influence of Russia and China.
With that objective in mind, US Vice President Kamala Harris will make an official visit to three countries in Africa at the end of March. The White House announced that the visit will take place from March 26 to April 01 and that it will be in Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia.
The objectives
The United States has intensified its presence in Africa and, recently, Antony Blinken, head of US diplomacy, was in Ethiopia and Niger, while Jill Biden, wife of President Joe Biden, visited the Horn of Africa in February.
During Harris' visit, meetings are planned with the presidents of the countries visited to discuss topics such as democracy, inclusive and sustainable growth, food security and climate adaptation.
In addition, Kamala Harris's visit also marks a historic moment in US politics, as she is the first black vice president and the first woman to hold the position. Harris will be looked to as an inspiring role model for women around the world, showing that it is possible to reach leadership positions by breaking down historical barriers.
Harris's official visit is just one of many that the Biden Administration plans to make to Africa later this year, the next one being promised by President Joe Biden's own visit that should take place later this year in 2023. The Africa summit, which took place in December 2022, in Washington, also demonstrated the importance that the US attaches to relations with African countries.
Africa's power struggle
In recent years, Africa has been the scene of a fierce competition between world powers in search of resources and influence. China, in particular, has intensified its investments in Africa, becoming the continent's largest trading partner, having exceeded US$200 billion in investments in infrastructure, natural resources and technology in several African countries.
Russia has also increased its presence in Africa, particularly in the field of security. In 2019, they organized a security conference on the continent that was attended by more than 40 African leaders. In addition, Russia has provided weapons and military training to several African countries, including the Central African Republic and Sudan.
The US is in a race to forge closer ties with Africa and strengthen its position as a key partner in the region. Harris' visit is a positive sign that the US is committed to development and growth on the continent and is ready to work together with countries in the region to address global challenges.
With the growing influence of Russia and China in Africa, the US is looking for ways to strengthen its presence in the region and maintain its position by helping African countries overcome challenges such as the post-COVID-19 pandemic and changes weather.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris's visit to Africa is a clear sign of the importance the US attaches to the region and comes in response to Russia's and China's growing investment and influence in the continent.
With this visit, the US tries to prove that it is ready to work with African countries to promote democracy, stability and sustainable growth, strengthening the relationship between the two sides and supporting global development.
The presence in Africa of the first black vice president and the first woman to hold that position in US history is an important milestone that shows the importance of diversity and representation in US politics.
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Picture: © 2019 Gage Skidmore
