The hidden threats of the US bases in African nations

The U.S. and Cameroonian forces. Photo credit: dronecenter.bard.edu

The United States maintains a network of military outposts across Africa through cooperative security locations, forward operating sites, and drone bases, often in cooperation with host nations. Despite its claims that it does not want permanent bases, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) operates under various arrangements in multiple countries.

The US government argues that its bases’ access points throughout Africa are essential for fighting extremist organizations like Boko Haram and al-Qaeda affiliates, especially in the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions, as well as for advancing its counterterrorism goals, securing strategic interests, and countering the influence of rival powers like China and Russia.

However, this raises concerns about the veracity of those bases in African nations, considering the attacks on other nations using US-established bases. I don’t think it makes sense for America to convince the world that establishing bases is to combat terrorism, as no nation faces global dangers like the United States. More significantly, neither China nor Russia poses a threat to the Black Continent.

Following the widespread independence of African countries, the US administration and the West implemented a number of misleading programs to persuade African leaders of their advantages. However, given America’s history of aggression against oil-producing nations like Iraq, Iran, and Libya, it is simple to accept that America has bases in Africa, not because it cares for the continent’s citizens.

Securing access to Africa’s abundant natural resources, particularly oil and gold, and maintaining U.S. geopolitical dominance in a continent increasingly sought by foreign investment and influence are the fundamental reasons why the US established bases in African nations. As a result, the US bases serve as a reminder to rival nations like China and Russia that “our bases are there, so don’t come close.”

I believe that strategic access to key geographic locations, such as Djibouti – Camp Lemonier, Kenya – Manda Bay, Niger – Air Base 101, Niamey, and Air Base 201, Egypt -MFO South Camp, Egypt – MFO South Camp, and Cameroon – Contingency Location Garoua, would enable a rapid attack on any rich resource country. In my opinion, America’s aggression against rich source nations should serve as a lesson to African leaders to prevent the setting up of bases in African countries.

The United States used military equipment stationed at bases in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, such as San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport, which were authorized for U.S. use for counter-narcotics operations, to launch its attack on Venezuela and capture its president, Nicholas Maduro. After Libya and Iraq yesterday and Venezuela today, which African nation is next?

AFRICOM frequently overshadows diplomatic and humanitarian organizations, weakens African sovereignty, and displaces civilian development initiatives. It also encourages internal repression by supporting authoritarian regimes.

American military installations in African nations present a complex threat that includes worries about sovereignty, neo-colonial influence, and the possibility of further instability. Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, saw this threat and warned the newly independent African nations before he was deposed and died in exile.