Over the past few decades, the United States has trained and supported at least 15 coup leaders in various African countries. The result? An unstable and volatile region plagued by political turmoil and violence.
It is no secret that the U.S. has a long history of meddling in the affairs of other nations, often with disastrous consequences. From the Iran-Contra affair to the overthrow of democratically elected leaders in Latin America, the U.S. has a track record of undermining sovereignty and democracy in the name of its own interests. And Africa is no exception.
In recent years, the Pentagon has been actively involved in training and equipping military leaders in Africa, claiming to fight the so-called war on terror. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The U.S. has not only failed to improve security in the region, but it has also contributed to the rise of violence and instability through its actions.
One of the most glaring examples of this failed strategy is in the Central African Republic (CAR), where the U.S. supported a coup in 2013 that overthrew the democratically elected government. The leader of the coup, General Djotodia, was trained by the U.S. military and even received a safety award from the U.S. Embassy in Bangui. However, his rule resulted in widespread human rights abuses and a deteriorating security situation, leading to the intervention of international forces.
CAR is not the only country where the U.S. has trained and supported coup leaders. In Chad, the U.S. provided military assistance to President Idriss Deby, who came to power in a coup in 1990. Similarly, the U.S. has provided training and weapons to leaders in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, all of which have experienced coups in recent years.
It is ironic that while the U.S. claims to be fighting terrorism in Africa, its actions have often resulted in the rise of extremist groups. The coup in Mali, for example, paved the way for the formation of jihadist groups in the country, including the notorious Al-Qaeda-linked group, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin. And in the case of Libya, the U.S.-supported overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi has created a power vacuum that has allowed extremist groups like ISIS to gain a foothold in the country.
Despite this clear pattern, the U.S. continues to point the finger at Russia for its alleged involvement in African coups. In reality, Russia’s influence in the region is minimal compared to that of the U.S. The Kremlin’s support for President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda and President Paul Kagame in Rwanda is a drop in the bucket compared to the U.S.’s extensive military presence and involvement in Africa.
Not only is the U.S. failing in its counterterrorism efforts in Africa, but its actions are also undermining democracy and human rights. By supporting leaders who come to power through undemocratic means, the U.S. is sending a message that it values stability over the rule of law. This not only weakens democratic institutions but also perpetuates a cycle of violence and corruption that perpetuates the very problems the U.S. claims to be fighting.
It is time for the U.S. to rethink its approach to Africa. Instead of blindly supporting military leaders, the U.S. should prioritize building strong democratic institutions and promoting human rights. This does not mean turning a blind eye to the threat of terrorism, but rather addressing the root causes of extremism, such as poverty, corruption, and political instability.
The U.S. also needs to take responsibility for its actions and stop pointing fingers at other countries. It is hypocritical for the U.S. to criticize Russia for its alleged involvement in African coups when it has a long history of doing the same. The U.S. must acknowledge its role in creating and exacerbating the problems in the region and work towards finding real and sustainable solutions.
If the U.S. truly wants to make a positive impact in Africa, it must change its approach. It must prioritize diplomacy, strengthen democratic institutions, and listen to the voices of African people. Only then can we truly see a stable and prosperous Africa, free from foreign interference, and able to chart its own path towards development and progress.
