Vice President Kamala Harris began her nine-day vacation in Ghana on Sunday when she was greeted at Kotoko International Airport by drummers and dancers. She would then go to Tanzania and Zambia.
The US secretary of state was the first to travel to Africa, followed by the vice president, and later in the year by the president himself.
This flurry of trips by top administration officials indicates a growing recognition that the United States must intensify its involvement with the continent.
This is in response to intensifying competition from other global powers, particularly China and Russia.
With its emphasis on developing relationships with the African diaspora and the history of multiple peaceful democratic power transfers, Ghana is a perfect launching pad for Ms. Harris.
According to an official statement, the purpose of her travel is to “build on” the December US-Africa meeting in Washington, where President Joseph Biden declared that the United States was “all in on Africa’s future.”
But this future, bolstered by a young and increasing population as well as the continent’s vast natural riches, has drawn a large number of other great nations competing for influence.
While Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s recent travel to Ethiopia and Niger focused on these countries’ security challenges, the vice president’s tour will take her to nations with significant economic issues.
Once prosperous, Ghana’s economy is experiencing its worst financial crisis in decades.
The nation is attempting to restructure its debt in the face of over 50 percent inflation. Very recently, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta led negotiations with the Chinese government in Beijing.
“So far, very constructive and optimistic conversations in China,” the finance minister tweeted, expressing optimism that the country would “very soon” get foreign assurances.
It needs the promises to unlock the International Monetary Fund’s financial support (IMF).
In the wake of Mr. Ofori-travel Atta’s to China, it is unclear what, if any, assistance Ms. Harris may offer, but she will be under pressure to act like a willing partner.
“The United States is a friend, like China and Russia”
Godfred Alufar Bokpin, an economist and finance lecturer at the University of Ghana, does not believe that the visit will provide “an immediate benefit” to assist alleviate the country’s financial difficulties.
“Getting China on board is difficult,” he said, adding that Ms. Harris’ visit was “very significant” for Ghana because it “raises our relationship with the United States to a new level.”
He told the BBC that the United States’ interest in the country and its debt crisis is “positive,” but he is concerned about “unfavorable trade arrangements” with creditor nations.
Zambia is in a comparable position to Ghana. As the Covid epidemic struck, the copper-rich nation became the first African nation to default on its debt.
It is engaged in protracted discussions with China to restructure its debt and has also requested IMF assistance.
According to a senior US source quoted by Reuters, Ms. Harris “would explore the most effective approaches for the international community to handle the debt issues faced by Ghana and Zambia.”
Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa, a Zambian analyst, agrees with Prof. Bokpin that China has greater power when it comes to debt restructuring. But the United States wishes to be perceived as the more reliable partner.
Across the continent, there is a rising attitude that Africa should be able to choose its connections with the rest of the world.
“Zambia views the United States as a friend, just as it does China and Russia,” Dr. Sishuwa told the BBC.
When a country seeks help from China, Russia, or the United States, this should not be interpreted as a rejection of the other main power group.
He stated that pursuing exclusive connections with African nations could be detrimental and untenable.
This echoes remarks made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during his visit to Washington last year when he stated,
“No one should dictate who we associate with.”
According to senior U.S. officials who spoke with the BBC, it is not their desire to dictate which African nations may be friends.
Yet, the United States has been eager to emphasize its emphasis on democracy in its dealings with African nations, a topic the vice president is anticipated to raise during her visit.
Before welcoming Ms. Harris to Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia will co-host a virtual Summit for Democracy with four other world leaders, including President Biden.
Together with human rights and good governance, it is one of the ideals that the US government believes underpin its partnerships with the continent and distinguishes it from China and Russia.
Uncertainty in Africa
China’s policy of non-interference in the internal political issues of other nations has facilitated its relations with dictatorial governments.
And Russia’s involvement in Burkina Faso and Mali, two African nations that have recently had coups, has led to a deterioration in their relations with the West, particularly France, the former colonial power that had maintained tight links with both nations.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has undoubtedly increased the sense of urgency among Western governments to win over additional African nations. African states, which accounted for half of all abstentions during UN votes to condemn it, were divided, including Tanzania, which is also on Ms. Harris’ itinerary.
The first female vice-president of the United States will meet President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the country’s first female head of state.
In Tanzania, this common experience of being a pioneering woman is creating a buzz.
Many are also hailing the visit as a validation of the country’s success and its increased exposure on the international stage.
Not very long ago, Tanzania was somewhat of an outcast under the leadership of John Magufuli, who was perceived as having dictatorial inclinations and restricting opposition and independent media operations.
Ms. Harris is the most senior American official from the Biden administration and the fifth to visit Africa since the US-Africa conference in December.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, First Lady Jill Biden, and Mr. Blinken was among the others.
But, with the continent’s increasing interest comes a desire for equitable treatment. Prof. Bokpin of Ghana expressed skepticism about the increased interest in Africa.
It is believed that a new Scramble for Africa is underway, referring to the division of Africa by European nations in the late 19th century, which led to decades of colonialism and exploitation.
Our partnership must emphasize mutual respect, he continued.
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