Check out the answers to some of Donald Trump's dubious questions about Africa
With the inauguration of Donald Trump, the US president-elect, around the corner, some matters are starting to spring up and become a national concern. The incoming American president has some issues with Africa as indicated from the questions asked by his transition team.
The state department received some questions about Africa from the Donald Trump transition team. These questions revealed the administration's skepticism about Africa's position in US foreign policy.
Trump's team probed the value of US engagement on the continent in humanitarian aid, trade deals and anti-terrorism. The following issues will help you understand the stake of US on major issues in Africa.
1. Fear of totally losing out to the Chinese
Regarding this, different questions were asked in order to ascertain where the US lies in trade. With China moving relentlessly across Africa and gaining more grounds, the United States is almost being locked out. With China's activities, strategic natural resources have been locked down in Africa.
The trade between China and Africa has surpassed that of the US and its African partners ever since year 2009. The question of how US competes with other nations in Africa surfaces with this fact. If China is Africa's top trading partner, it leaves the United States in a very difficult situation.
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2. US has more pressing needs than Africa
The question: 'Why should we spend funds on Africa when we are suffering here in the US?' is a serious one. With corruption, bribery, lavish lifestyles and continuous theft from the state coffers, the position of US with the state of affairs in Africa is clear.
With the majority of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa failing to address this issue, US feels like it is out of their place to interfere. These problems limit foreign direct investment and heighten the risk of conflict.
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3. US role in fighting Boko Haram insurgency
The role played by US in fighting Boko Haram has been up for debate for many years. The United States government has refused (for the past three years) to discuss the sales of weapons to Nigeria by citing incidents of corruption on the part of the government in addition to the abuse of human rights by the army.
Ever since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office, a large chunk of the money webbed around arms deal fraud has been uncovered.
With the remarkable achievements recorded under the tenure of the Nigerian president, it is hoped that Trump's administration will change the position of US on selling weapons to Nigeria. The role of US in other African countries can be evaluated here.
Source: Legit.ng
