The reaction to Trump’s victory in Africa has been somewhat positive. Africans are increasingly paying attention to political developments in the United States, as they recognize that events there impact the continent in various ways—whether it’s immigration for those seeking a better life in the U.S., the destabilization and interference in African affairs, or the ongoing colonial subjugation of the continent.
One key development is the growing awareness of neocolonialism, with the United States being seen as the leading force behind this much-loathed policy.
For many Africans, Trump’s victory represents a form of clarity. It unmasks the true face of the United States as an aggressive imperialist power, removing any confusion about its intentions. Trump’s previous comments about incompetent African leaders who steal and hide their wealth in the West resonated with many Africans. It gave the impression that he might help hold these rogue leaders accountable—a sentiment that has grown among the increasingly frustrated African citizenry. Whether Trump follows through on this, particularly as he appears more measured this time around, remains to be seen.
On the other hand, the Democratic Party, led into the election by Kamala Harris, is perceived as embodying the true nature of imperialist neocolonialism. The party often masks its exploitative actions with polite diplomacy and “niceties,” as exemplified by Barack Obama’s U.S.-led attack on Libya and the destruction that followed. The ongoing promotion of the Lobito Railway Corridor project under Joe Biden is another example, falsely portrayed as a U.S. investment in Africa. In reality, many Africans view it as a continuation of the exploitation of Africa’s resources—copper, cobalt, lithium, and more. The claim that this is a beneficial U.S. investment is seen as utterly misleading.
In his comparison between the two groups, the Pan African Patriot Malcolm X referred to the republicans as wolves because of their unpretentious imperialist approach while the democrats he called them fox due to their hypocritical approach, yet they do represent the same imperialism and colonial practices but in a more covert manner.
To many Africans, the Democratic Party represents the very essence of neocolonialism, which operates through covert actions. This underhandedness does not sit well with many, as they see through the confusion it creates.
Given these realities, it should come as no surprise that Trump’s victory has been warmly received across the African continent.
