Biden’s human rights focus in Africa faces diversions

Significance

However, an Islamist-inspired insurgency in Mozambique, uncertainty surrounding Chad’s future as a regional security partner and Nigeria’s recent unexpected call for US Africa Command (AFRICOM) to move to the continent better to combat worsening Sahelian insecurity all threaten to keep counterterrorism the focus of US-Africa policy.

Impacts

• Growing security challenges and the threat of jihadi militants mean Washington may expand military and counterterrorism efforts in Africa.
• US-Nigeria relations may become more strained over the short-to-medium term amid rising authoritarianism in Nigeria before its 2023 polls.
• US efforts to counter China's diplomatic and economic footprint in Africa will increase, but eroding Beijing's influence will prove elusive.