Rwanda-US relations: In the wake of the DRC-M23 crisis, Rwanda relations with the US have soured of late. Rwanda, which used to be a stooge in the hands of America has now been abandoned by the global hegemon after years of backing M23 and attempts at destabilizing the region backfired and ultimately failed. However, ever since Rwanda was thrown under the bus by the US, it has suddenly taken an adversarial stance vis-à-vis the US, and now Rwanda is at it once again. This time, Rwanda is hitting the US where it hurts the most as it has gone to China for deeper ties and cooperation.
Rwanda shakes hands with US’ arch nemesis
As per a report, the government of Rwanda and the Chinese multinational company Alibaba have agreed to establish the first Electronic World trade Platform hub in Africa. This will enable products from Eastern African region to reach more than half a billion consumers of Alibaba. The deal will provide a boost to Rwanda’s economy and more specifically its digital economy while also ensuring the trading of Rwandan products and facilitating tourism in the African country.
Further, the Chinese platform will also ensure the improvement in the quality of products for trading. Alibaba’s online travel platform Figgy and Rwandan Development Board will also work together to promote Rwanda tourism to Chinese customers. With the deal, Alibaba will also support Rwandan entrepreneurs through its eFounders Fellowship program.
Thus, with the deal, Rwanda has made a major diplomatic move. After being on the US’ side for years and it’s economy has been practically dependent on US support, but now it has rolled out the red carpet for a Chinese giant. Apart from Russia, China has emerged as a major threat to US influence in Africa. China is also the biggest lender to the African continent. But now, Rwanda a long-time US ally, by allowing the Chinese giant to invest in the country has sent a loud and clear message to the US and that it is open to partner with China as well for its own benefit.
Read More: China’s Rwanda adventure has much more to it than meets the eye
Recently, after the US-Africa summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame defended Africa’s right to expand its economic partnership with China. Kagame said that the continent has a right to seek partners and that China is filling a gap for investment.
Now, it seems Kagame is walking the talk and is not shying away from engaging on a greater level with China, perhaps also to settle scores with the US.
Read More: Kagame settles scores with Biden in the White House, one hell of a move
What Next for US-Rwanda relations?
For a long time, the US funded the M23 terror group. The US-Rwanda-M23 nexus created instability and looted DRC’s mineral resources. However, later the US threw Rwanda under the bus after regional alliances were formed to eliminate M23 and it gradually started becoming a thorn in the flesh for the US. The US then accused Rwanda of supporting M23 and absolved itself of all its crimes.
Ever since then, the Rwanda-US relations have been on the downhill and now with Paul Kagame’s latest move to engage with China, has proved that he is ready to engage with the US’ arch nemesis in the African continent to secure Rwanda’s interests.
Read More: Rwandan govt. turns into a Frankenstein monster for its masters in the US
