The Wall Street Journal published on 13 May 2024 a commentary titled "Why Russia Seeks to Dominate Africa" by Walter Russell Mead.
The author excoriates US policy towards Africa that is based on support for democracy and universal human rights principles, comparing it unfavorably to Russia's approach to the continent. He calls on the Biden administration to "rethink" its Africa policy.
Comment: It is true that Russia is at the moment riding high in the Sahel region and a couple other of Africa's fifty-four countries by relying on the Wagner Group and the Africa Corps. Outside the sale of arms to Africa and the provision of a limited number of mercenaries and armed forces personnel, its impact is not significant. Its trade is confined mostly to North Africa, and it is not even notable there except for the sale of weapons. Its foreign aid for the continent is nearly non-existent. Russian foreign direct investment is a tiny fraction of global FDI. Russia provides few loans to African countries. Its soft power is also minimal, although its disinformation program has had some success. Russia's engagement in Africa, however, is not a recipe for long-term success.
The author concludes by calling for a "rethink" of current US policy in Africa. It would be useful if he provided his thoughts on what the "rethink" should look like. Or is he suggesting the US should follow Putin's program?
