Why_African_Countries_Are_Opposing_America

The article, “Threats to security: caution needed in the US response” looks at the United States policy towards sub Saharan Africa. The United States has two main national interests in sub Saharan Africa; combating terrorism and its growing dependence on African oil. In its effort to prevent terrorism in Africa, the United States has introduced various security initiatives. The goals of these programmes are noble however most of them have not been met. The article gives the example of the GPOI/ACOTA, the Pan Sahel Initiative (PSI), the East Africa Counterterrorism Initiative (EACTI), the US European Command (EUCOM) and the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). Most of these security initiatives are funded by the United States department of defense. The threat of terrorism though a significant problem in Africa, calls for a better strategy in the way the United States handles the problem. So far the United States’ activities in sub Saharan Africa may lead to resentment by the population at large especially the Muslim faithful. The support of the military governments in such countries as Mauritania is likely to threaten democratic and good governance efforts. In addition, the population may turn against the regime and its supporter the United States. Moreover, Muslims are divided into various groups which are not easily comprehensible in Washington policy makers. The increasing influence of conservatives and neoconservatives in policy making just makes the situation worse. The threat to African oil is not a big issue warranting a security policy. This is because most of the oil producing countries’ are politically stable. However because of the United States dependence on oil, it has established ties with countries whose regimes are illegitimate. Nigeria being an oil rich country and possibly important to the United States, has received some help to curb its terrorism problems in the oil rich delta and the spread of Islamism in the north. The United States has tried to improve efforts in maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. In addition, the Nigerian navy has received several US Coast Guard tenders. However, this is the much the United States is ready to provide since it recognizes that its mere military presence could prove counter productive. Therefore the United States needs to be more cautious in its endeavors in Sub Saharan Africa. It should focus its efforts on transparency, good governance, development and trade. In addition, aid should be channeled to social amenities such as health and education. The United States’ policies in sub Saharan Africa leaves room for improvement. For many years it has supported countries whose regimes are illegitimate. For example the united states I an avid supporter of Yoweri Museveni despite the fact that he is corrupt and dictatorial. Many American presidents have criticized Kenya for its governance and its laxcity towards fighting corruption. Another good example is its constant support of the Egyptian president despite the fact that he is unpopular in his country. This is because he is a firm supporter of the war against terrorism. Moreover, the country receives a large amount of foreign aid making it the second highest receiver of foreign aid after Israel. The United States has failed to understand the African situation. Africa is complex region and is comprised of many tribes. Muslims are also divided into groups with some being liberal and sympathetic to the United States. For example, Somalia is divided into various clans. The infighting between the various clans for power has led to the absence of government. This vacuum has been replaced with ideological groups such as Al Shaabab. However not all Somalis support the Al Shaabab. Therefore this does not merit the policies that are pursued by the United States towards Somalia. Countries that do not support the policies towards Africa are viewed as enemies of the United States. A good example of this is Libya. Libya was blamed for the Lockerbie bombings and subsequently alienated from the West. The United States and other European countries placed sanctions on the country as a punishment for supporting terrorist activities. However this country is an example of a country that has the defied the west and has managed to survive economically. Another example is Sudan. President El Basher has constantly come under fire from the United States for supporting terrorist activities. It has been sidelined by many western countries with the United States placing sanctions. This has been the country to form ties with China which is likely to become a superpower. Finally, so many communities in African countries have grown resentful of the United States. For example the Muslim community in the Kenyan coast and northern Kenya view the American military presence with hostility. Although the American military have attempted to involve themselves with humanitarian assistance, the community has not welcomed them. This is because they had no previous interest in those areas until the twin tower attacks. Therefore the hostility stems from the mistrust the community bears towards the military and its intentions.