1. PERSPECTIVE AND UNDERSTANDING
From the early 60’s, The United States presidential elections often draw significant interest from African audiences, who view them through various lenses shaped by history, diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchanges.
Let’s name some US policies which shaped Africa since independence:
– Impact on Foreign Policy and Aid : PEPFAR, YALI, POWER AFRICA AND AGOA.
– Security and Counterterrorism : AFRICOM.
We also witnessed in the past a lot of geopolitical shifts during the cold war between pro-liberalism (Zaïre, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire..), and pro-communist countries (Angola, Mozambique, Congo-B, Bénin…), and today a fierce competition with the emerging BRICS.
What do Africans think about US politics?
In general, they look at US political parties and the elected presidents as follows:
– Democrats tend to be seen as more supportive of aid, social development, climate change initiatives, and favorable immigration policies.
– Republicans are viewed as strong on trade and security but tend to emphasize strategic interests and stricter immigration policies. Their legacy in public health aid is significant, but environmental and humanitarian concerns are often lower priorities.
Today, many African nations have strategic relationships with the rest of the World, so they are keenly interested in how a new U.S. administration might approach the continent, balancing competition with collaboration. But we know that only US interests always prevail. The recent aborted presidential trip to Angola by Joe Biden is one such example of the trade war of energy transition between the US and China.
In brief, the race between Republicans and Democrats has been a source of curiosity, learning, and sometimes skepticism among Africans, with implications that extend well beyond American borders.
Do Africans have any preference between the Democrats and Republicans?
It depends on the specific priorities of different African countries or interest groups:
African countries focused on trade and security might prefer Republican policies. Those prioritizing development aid, climate action, and immigration access might lean toward Democrats.
In reality, both parties have influenced Africa in different ways, and African leaders often engage with whichever administration is in power to secure the best outcomes.
2. PREFERENCE BETWEEN KAMALA HARRIS & DONALD J. TRUMP?
The personalities and values of U.S. presidents have significant cultural impact. We all remember Barack Obama’s presidency, for instance, He resonated deeply with Africans, particularly because of his Kenyan heritage and his skin color.
For a long time, media coverage and the influence of American culture (cinema, music, sports, art…) also shaped our opinions. Africans follow debates, campaign strategies, and speeches, often comparing them with their own political contexts.
But this 2024 presidential campaign sounds very weird for Africans. Violent insults and low blows between the two candidates is what we will remember most. Few years ago, we were even shocked when Donald Trump treated Africa as “sh… hole countries”.
Any preference between the two candidates? Most of the persons we interviewed have none. Kamala Harris did not raise the same passion as Barack Obama in the African audience. While Donald Trump is seen as a selfish candidate with no interest beyond USA borders.
3. WHAT LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE 2024 US CAMPAIGN?
In the past, the way US elections were conducted was often a subject of inspiration. Africans used to observe American elections as a case study of democratic processes, inspiring debates on electoral reforms, peaceful transitions, and the integrity of democracy in their own countries.
But today, with the electoral controversies arising, Africans reflect on the irony of the U.S. preaching democracy abroad while facing serious challenges at home.
Is this a paradigm shift that may impact many generations in Africa and beyond? Most probably yes. Certainly, the US soft power is the biggest loser in 2024.
We, as Africans, are curious to watch the way the USA will bounce back from this dark episode of the leading democracy in the world.
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