By J.C Abeck

Τhe ascendance of competitive powers [especially China and Russia’s influences in Africa] seem to be drifting U.S policy imperatives towards Africa as the Pentagon announces a new U.S Defense Strategy towards Africa. Until now, the United States foreign policy imperatives, particularly in relations with Africa, have been framed by four major pillars: first, the preservation of the Westphalian state system as the basic unit of the international legal and security order. In this context state collapse [particularly African] is a security threat. Second, economic assistance—aid, capacity building, and institutional enhancements. Third, energy security—in Africa, this relates to a small group of States. Lastly, global trade and commerce, relating to U.S assets and investments. In recent years, following the terrorist attack of 9/11, counterterrorism became a significant preoccupation of the United States in Africa.  In spite of what appears to be a positive relation [for some], the charges of neo-colonialism and imperialism have never faded away [at least for others]. Secretary Mattis’ pronouncement of a new U.S National Defense strategy