The old saying “To be America’s enemy is dangerous, but to be America’s friend is fatal,” has often proven true for many countries worldwide, particularly in Africa, Angola too, fell prey to the exploitation of underdeveloped, resource-rich African nations by the West for a long time. Unfortunately, Angola did not realize that its alliance with America was one-sided with Washington reaping the benefits without providing anything in return.
However, the tables have turned, and a foreign friend now seems to be coming to Angola’s rescue. With the US and UAE already not on cordial terms with each other, the latter’s announcement comes as a shock.
Angola and Abu Dhabi join hands
Angola and Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), a unit of UAE EDGE Group, have signed a “landmark” contract worth $1 billion euros under which the UAE shipbuilder will provide Angola with a fleet of corvettes and other small boats.
Under this landmark deal, a fleet of 71-meter BR71 Mk II corvettes will be built and the contract represents the biggest export transaction in the history of the UAE shipbuilder, a member of the Edge conglomerate. The announcement was made on February 20, coinciding with the IDEX defense show “landmark” deal. The contract includes three BR71 Mk II corvettes, an unspecified number of smaller boats developed by Edge, training, and UAVs.
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The blossoming bonhomie between the Middle East and Africa must have snatched the living daylights out of the West. The West has long been plundering the wealth and resources of the poor African continent. Nigeria has already been a victim of oil theft and has warned the West.
Fortunately, many African nations are beginning to understand the nefarious agenda of America but Angola. Additionally, Angola learned its lesson only recently when the US oil corporation Chevron started dumping tons of toxic oil waste into the ocean shallows close to the coast of Cabinda, which is Angola’s northern enclave. Now, in close partnership with UAE, the arch enemy of the US, Angola is all set to face the West.
Meanwhile, maritime security is an emerging issue in the Gulf of Guinea region. Energy security and trade depend to a large extent on sea-based transport, and the Gulf of Guinea region is currently the source of around 5.4m barrels of oil per day. This is equivalent to more than the total amount imported by EU27 countries and over half of US crude oil imports. Angola and Nigeria account for 34% and 47% of total GG oil supply respectively.
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But, piracy and other security threats in the region have made it challenging to maintain stability and economic growth. The UAE’s support in enhancing Angola’s maritime security capabilities can help address the challenges and contribute to the country’s development. Nonetheless, as the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, it is important for African nations to exercise caution and carefully consider their foreign policy goals and alliances to safeguard their interests and maintain stability.
