In recent years, the world has witnessed the rise of Christian nationalism, a political ideology that seeks to intertwine Christianity with national identity and policy-making. This dangerous ideology has taken hold in the United States, and it has had a profound impact on President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, particularly in regards to Africa.
Recently, Trump made a series of decisions that have shaken the African immigrant community and sparked outrage among human rights advocates. In May 2019, the Trump administration ended deportation protections for South Sudanese immigrants, putting over 1,000 individuals at risk of being sent back to a war-torn country where they could face violence and persecution.
At the same time, the Trump administration announced a new policy that prioritizes asylum for white South Africans, a move that has been widely criticized as discriminatory and racist. This decision seems to align with Trump’s rhetoric and policy decisions that cater to white Christian nationalists, who see themselves as the victims of a society that is becoming more diverse.
But perhaps the most disturbing of Trump’s recent actions towards Africa is his threat to invade Nigeria, the most populous country on the continent. In a phone call with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Trump expressed his concerns about the country’s security and reportedly said, “Why are you killing Christians?” This statement not only reflects Trump’s lack of understanding of the complex religious and political dynamics in Nigeria, but also his willingness to use religion as a political tool.
It is no coincidence that these decisions and actions by the Trump administration align with the Christian nationalist playbook. Christian nationalists believe that the United States has a divine mission to spread Christianity and democracy around the world, and they see Africa as a battleground for this mission. This ideology is deeply rooted in the country’s history and has been used to justify colonization, exploitation, and intervention in Africa.
Trump’s actions towards Africa are also influenced by the strong support he receives from evangelical Christians, who make up a significant portion of his base. These evangelicals have been vocal in their support for Trump’s policies, particularly when it comes to immigration and religious freedom. In their eyes, Trump is a defender of their beliefs and values, and they see his actions towards Africa as part of a larger mission to protect Christianity.
But the truth is, Trump’s policies towards Africa are not based on genuine concern for the continent or its people. Instead, they are driven by a dangerous ideology that seeks to impose a specific religious and cultural identity on others. This ideology ignores the diversity and complexity of Africa and reduces it to a monolithic Christian nation that needs saving.
Furthermore, Trump’s actions towards Africa not only harm African immigrants and countries, but they also go against the values of democracy and human rights that the United States claims to uphold. By prioritizing asylum for white South Africans and threatening to invade Nigeria, Trump is sending a message that some lives are more valuable than others, and that religious affiliation determines one’s worth. This goes against the very principles of equality and justice that the United States was founded on.
It is also important to note that these policies have real consequences for the people of Africa. Ending deportation protections for South Sudanese immigrants puts individuals at risk of returning to a dangerous and unstable country, while prioritizing asylum for white South Africans reinforces the idea that white lives matter more than black lives. And Trump’s threat to invade Nigeria only adds to the instability and conflict in the region.
In conclusion, Trump’s foreign policy towards Africa is heavily influenced by Christian nationalism, an ideology that promotes discrimination, exclusion, and intervention in the name of Christianity. While this ideology may appeal to some, it goes against the values of freedom and diversity that make the United States a beacon of hope for many around the world. It is crucial that we recognize and reject this dangerous ideology, and instead strive for a foreign policy that is based on respect, equality, and human rights for all.
