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Joe Biden’s presidency is coming to an end. His performance is beginning to be evaluated and one of the
least positive aspects is the relationship with the African continent. He reversed a trend that was on the
rise.

According to analysts and former US government officials, influence over Africa decreased during
Biden’s term.

Instead, China is gaining enormous influence. So much so that the home of the director of the World
Health Organization is known as the China of Africa. This in turn influences its policies, as it privileges
China. For example, Taiwan (despite its success in combating the coronavirus) was ignored and even
excluded by the WHO.

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So the weakness of the US vis-à-vis China on the African continent affects beyond its borders, it has
consequences at the international level and above all on supranational organizations such as the WHO,
which operates under the umbrella of the UN.

And now that there are Chinese warships and military planes prowling the coasts of Taiwan, the small
island is one of the most affected in this power struggle. “There is a feeling of disappointment around
Biden in Africa”

The Epoch Times reports that under Biden, the United States lost diplomatic and military presence in
key regions; failed to make significant progress in countering China’s growing footprint in Africa; lost
ground to Russia; and was unable to ensure an adequate and reliable supply of minerals critical to
American national security.

The outlet interviewed Chris Isike, director of the African Center for the Study of the United States in
Johannesburg. He says that, focused on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and on China’s military
maneuvers around Taiwan, the outgoing Democratic administration “took its eye off the ball” in Africa,
and Beijing and Moscow subsequently “ran after it.”

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“On paper, Biden and his people gave Africa the importance it deserves,” Isike added.
“But in practice, many of the words were not translated into actions, except for trade and business deals
here and there.”

He noted that, for example, the Biden administration promised to push for the expansion of the United
Nations Security Council to include Africa, but this has not happened.

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“There is a feeling of disappointment around Biden in Africa,” he concluded.

The US is losing the propaganda war

Biden summoned the leaders of African nations to Washington. This was highly appreciated. However,
despite his emphatic speech, he did not keep his promises.

He said: “When Africa succeeds, America succeeds; frankly, the whole world succeeds as well,” Biden
said, to applause. “America is betting on the future of Africa.”

This not only cost him and the nation he represents credibility but also adds fuel to the favor of China,
his rival. It allows US enemies, such as Russia and China, to gain ground in the propaganda war. As both
nations sow anti-American messages throughout the African continent.

US abandonment increases jihadism

And the most dangerous thing is that US abandonment often results in the strengthening of radicalized
groups.

«The US Africa Command was controlling a lot of this terrorism because it had a major spy base, a drone
base, in Niger», explained independent South African security analyst Chad Thomas.

«So you have this nexus of countries, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, where there has been an upsurge in
terrorism in recent years, where groups linked to the ‘Islamic State’ (ISIS) and other global terrorist
networks have become really strong», he added.

According to Thomas, this happens above all in the Sahel region, controlled by military juntas backed by
Russia. He calls it «inexcusable».

Last but not least, even critical voices have pointed out that a ticket with Donald Trump in charge will be
more beneficial for Africa than Joe Biden. Not so much for what he does but for what he allows to
happen. Because there is a weariness of interventionism.

About The Author

Mamela Fiallo Flor

Mamela Fiallo Flor es profesora de lengua e historia, columnista y conferencista. Plasma su amor por la libertad y pasión por la verdad en cada nota.

Mamela Fiallo Flor is a language and history teacher, columnist, and speaker. She conveys her love for freedom and passion for truth in every piece she writes.