Alleged State Department Executive Order Shows U.S. Undervalues Africa

Leaders gathered at the 37th African Union Summit in 2024 in Addis Ababa. (Flickr)

An alleged draft executive order by President Donald Trump outlining numerous changes to the State Department, including the dissolution of the Bureau of African Affairs, leaked to the press on April 20. This leak has caused widespread alarm, particularly as to how this will affect people in Africa. It has also incited dialogue on the United States’ eroding influence over the continent and its underestimation of the importance of Africa in the future.  

Africa is widely seen as the most important continent in the world in the 21st century due to its rapidly increasing youth population and rich natural resources. Africa’s situation contrasts with that of many Western countries that face aging populations and need minerals. 

China and Russia in particular have noticed the continent’s importance and sought to make it a priority on their agendas. China’s famous Belt and Road Initiative has given billions of dollars in aid to Africa and hosted several forums with leaders on the continent. Russia has been tapping into anti-West sentiments in order to expand its own influence and seeks to have more strategic and military involvement with Africa. 

Meanwhile, the United States’ partnerships with Africa have often been criticized as unequal, which has fueled the anti-West sentiment Russia exploits. Now Washington  seems to plan to ignore Africa altogether outside of counterterrorism operations. Analysts worry that with the United States pulling back on its commitments to Africa and losing influence, China and Russia might take this opportunity to expand their influence and gain more allies against the West. 

However, these concerns may be unfounded. Some White House officials have denied the veracity of the alleged executive order and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that it was “fake news.” Nevertheless, critics remain skeptical because cutting government programs aligns with the president’s agenda thus far.