By Oluremi Olatunde & Ndubueze Nwosu
The African continent has faced persistent challenges in addressing the complex and multifaceted issue of terrorism. As nations on the continent grapple with the threat of extremist groups, insecurity occasioned by bandits and marauding armed groups, it is crucial to bring to the fore and reflect on the policies of former President Donald Trump and how it impacted positively on the continent. While Trump’s approach had its critics, examining key aspects reveals potential avenues where his policies could have contributed to enhancing Africa’s ability to combat terrorism and insecurity at this present time.
One notable aspect of President Trump’s policy towards Africa was an emphasis on military engagement to counter terrorist threats. His administration expanded operations against extremist groups, particularly in regions such as Somalia and the Sahel. The use of drone strikes as a tool for precision targeting aimed at eliminating terrorist leaders and disrupting their networks showcased a commitment to proactive measures.
In a continent where the threat of groups like Al-Shabaab, ISWAP, and Boko Haram persists, a robust military strategy can be vital. The Trump administration’s willingness to employ military force demonstrated a clear commitment to confronting these threats head-on. Such actions, when strategically applied and in coordination with African partners, could have contributed to creating a deterrent effect and degrading the capabilities of these groups.
President Trump’s policy also underscored the importance of regional partnerships in tackling terrorism. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the administration sought to work with African nations and regional organizations to build their capacity to combat terrorism independently. This approach recognized the unique challenges faced by different regions and fostered a sense of ownership among African nations in addressing their security concerns.
By empowering regional players, the Trump administration aimed to create sustainable solutions that aligned with the specific needs and dynamics of each area. Strengthening partnerships with African nations and regional organizations remains a crucial element in building a resilient and coordinated response to terrorism on the continent.
Another aspect of Trump’s policy focused on countering the financing of terrorism. Recognizing the importance of disrupting funding sources for extremist groups, the administration implemented measures to address the financial aspects of terrorism. Collaborating with African nations to strengthen financial regulations and intelligence-sharing aimed at cutting off funding streams demonstrated a holistic understanding of the multifaceted nature of counter-terrorism efforts.
Tackling the root causes of terrorism requires not only military operations but also addressing the economic and financial networks that sustain these groups. By prioritizing financial measures, the Trump administration signaled a commitment to dismantling the economic infrastructure that supports terrorist organizations, thereby weakening their ability to recruit, plan, and execute attacks. Unfortunately, many African countries have since dropped the ball paying lip service to effort at disrupting financial inflows to these organisations.
President Trump’s approach also encouraged African countries to take a more active role in addressing their own security challenges. This emphasis on self-sufficiency aligned with the broader principle of empowering nations to manage their affairs independently which a lot of observers saw as snobbish but in all sincerity a brilliant strategy for a lasting solution to the continent’s problem. By fostering an environment where African nations could lead their counter-terrorism efforts, the Trump administration aimed to build sustainable solutions that would outlast short-term interventions.
This approach recognized the diversity of African nations and their unique capacities, allowing for tailored responses to specific challenges. It sought to move away from a paternalistic model of intervention, promoting a collaborative and supportive framework where African nations could develop strategies that align with their local contexts.
In assessing President Trump’s policies on Africa, it is important to recognize potential benefits for the continent of Africa. The emphasis on military engagement, regional partnerships, financial measures, and encouraging self-sufficiency offered a multifaceted approach to addressing terrorism on the continent at a sustained level.
As Africa continues its efforts to combat terrorism, the support of the incoming American administration will continue to be crucial as the stability of the continent will have a larger impact on the whole world. Learning from past policies whether successful or criticized, can inform future approaches, fostering a more comprehensive and sustainable framework for addressing the complex challenges of terrorism on the continent. This is what a Trump presidency will guarantee for Africa. The goal is ultimately to ensure a stable and secured environment that drive prosperity for African nations.
*Olatunde & Nwosu are conveners of Africa For Trump Group
