Executive Summary

Planned US downsizing in diplomatic presence, foreign aid, and military footprint across Africa is likely accelerating the decline of Western influence across the continent, contributing to a strategic vacuum open to adversarial gains. As a result, this environment presents opportunities for global competitors, primarily Russia and China, to deepen their engagement and expand influence through diverse strategies. Such a shift significantly softens the US’s historic advantage and poses challenges to US security interests, counterterrorism efforts, access to critical minerals, and democratic development in the region.

Images Sourced From: Cpl. Jacob Richardson