A New Scramble For Africa?

Photo credit: Pixabay

For the second time, the world's most powerful nations are again competing for the control of the abundant natural resources of the African continent. Some analysts define this phenomenon as a "new scramble for Africa" in reference to the first "scramble for Africa", which took place between 1881 and 1914 and resulted in some European powers dividing, occupying and colonizing the continent; many of its impacts which are still felt today.

World superpowers like the US, China and Russia, as well as some key European countries, and less powerful nations like Japan, India and Brazil are currently active in Africa. And some energy-rich Gulf countries are also running to consolidate their investments on the continent, as they seek to expand their economies beyond oil and gas sectors, of which are not renewable.

Foreign military presence is also growing on the continent under the guise of counter-terrorism efforts, but it seems there is also a more realist perspective at stake. Many have argued that Africa is becoming a staging ground from which foreign countries can “show their muscles and their military capabilities" against one another. Have a look at what's happening in Djibouti, Niger, Somalia, Kenya, Zambia, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and many others. Look back and learn what destroyed Congo, Libya, Liberia, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Central Africa Republic and many more. Do you see any pattern?

China, the world's second-largest economy, has become Africa's most important and influential development and trade partner over the past two decades. Why? Because China has no colonial past in Africa, in fact, like Russia, it supported Africa's liberation struggle in the mid-20th century. China's "clean" history in Africa makes it easier for the country to extend its influence in the region. But some countries are already feeling the negative consequences of their "friendly" tactical dealings.

Right now, China's activities in Africa are under harsh criticism. For instance, the head of the US' National Trade Council, Peter Navarro, had accused China of "locking down strategic natural resources, locking up emerging markets and locking out the United States". While others criticized China for pursuing a "new form of colonialism" and "massive resource grab" in Africa. Moreover, Chinese programs have an adverse impact on the environment.

While these three superpowers may be competing for influence in Africa, but the level of exploitation and cruelty caused by this rivalry does not amount to the atrocities committed during the original "scramble for Africa". And worse, African politicians are aiding and abetting this horrendous acts of selfishness and stupidity.

But let's us Africans still know that we have a chance to successfully navigate the situation and make amends before it's too late.

The African Union should come up with a coherent, unified and comprehensive strategy to deal with the three superpowers' competition over its natural resources and engage all three superpowers to cooperate with Africa instead of exploiting it. A swift implementation of robust institutional reforms should be carried out and the AU should act as the decisive power on the continent. Equally, in order to resist any detrimental foreign interference and preserve their independence, dignity, and sovereignty, African states should work towards ending their financial dependency on the West and other international players. Also, the continent's independent military capabilities should also be increased in order to have the ability to maintain peace and security without needing any help from foreign powers that undoubtedly have ulterior motives and conflicting interests. This is very paramount for any totally sovereign nation

And above all, African masses, civil society, youth and women groups should play a leading role in Africa's relations with the world - the era of gatekeepers must end. We all understand It is natural and vital that we Africans engage with the world directly. A "new scramble for Africa" maybe under way, but this time, Africans can and should be the ones benefiting from the superpowers interest in their countries. Our governments should make sure the US, Russia and China - and any other foreign power - should only be allowed to operate in Africa as long as their actions are also beneficial for the continent. Nothing less than that.

This new scramble for Africa is reminiscent of its colonial predecessor, the Berlin Conference of 1884, where political settlement and competition was settled on foreign soils, at the expense of its inhabitants. This would only increase the likelihood of our Africa becoming the center ground for new iterations of proxy wars between established and expanding powers. In the end, the weight of the consequences of such heightened tensions between powers will fall upon African countries, in which foreign military presence often creates antagonistic groups, grievances and revenge    as well as participating indirectly in the recruitment effort of terrorism organizations. Basically, imperialism has just taken another form, it has evolved. What has not changed is the power dynamics between strong and the weak.