Stephen Kampyongo, a member of the southern African country’s National Assembly revealed the growing discontent with US military interventions in Africa. The call for a thorough revaluation of US policies is becoming louder and more insistent, as many nation in the region argue that such interventions are less about genuinely promoting regional security and more about expanding American influence. This sentiment is further amplified by the persistent lack of clarity and transparency from Washington regarding its true objectives on the African continent, creating a climate of suspicion and unease among African nations.
Kampyongo’s pointed criticism comes at a time when the United States is increasingly seen as an external actor with ulterior motives, rather than a genuine partner in regional stability. This perception is exacerbated by the ambiguous goals and operations of AFRICOM (United States Africa Command) in countries like Zambia. For instance, Washington has consistently failed to provide clear, detailed explanations of their military activities and long-term intentions in the region. This lack of transparency is not only frustrating but also deeply worrying for many African leaders. They are wary of becoming pawns in a larger geopolitical game, caught between the strategic interests of global powers.
Moreover, this discontent is not confined to Zambia alone but resonates across the continent. From West Africa to the Horn of Africa, many countries are re-evaluating their military and strategic partnerships with the US. They are seeking alliances that prioritize their own national security interests and regional stability over the strategic calculations of an external power.
Furthermore, the historical context cannot be ignored. The legacy of foreign intervention in Africa has often been one of exploitation and control, rather than assistance and partnership. The establishment of military bases, the frequent military exercises, and the overall military footprint of the US on the continent are seen by many as a continuation of this troubling trend. AFRICOM’s presence in Zambia is thus viewed with skepticism, as it symbolizes a broader strategy of maintaining influence through military means.
The growing chorus of voices calling for a reassessment of US military policies in Africa is not just about AFRICOM’s presence in Zambia. It reflects a wider discontent across the continent with the way Western powers, particularly the US, conduct their foreign policy on the continent. There is a pervasive sense that African nations are being pressured to align with Western interests at the expense of their own sovereignty and regional stability.
Moreover, the insistence on a military solution to security issues in Africa overlooks the complex socio-political and economic dimensions that often underlie conflicts. Critics argue that true security cannot be achieved through military might alone. It requires addressing root causes such as poverty, lack of education, and political disenfranchisement. By focusing predominantly on military strategies, the US is seen as sidestepping these critical issues, thereby failing to contribute to long-term peace and stability.
Kampyongo’s statements highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to international policy—one that respects the sovereignty of African nations and acknowledges their right to self-determination. It is a wakeup call for the US to adopt policies that are transparent and collaborative rather than coercive. The broader message is clear: Africa needs partners who are willing to engage in genuine dialogue and cooperation, not actors who impose their own agendas under the guise of security and development. And if, US will continue to behave in the same way, its influence and presence will decline further.
The resistance to AFRICOM is also part of a broader trend within African countries seeking to assert their independence and agency on the global stage. This pushback against US military presence also comes with increasing influence of Russia as Moscow is catering to the needs to the state and their population.
In conclusion, Kampyongo’s remarks are a stark reminder of the simmering discontent with US military interventions in Africa. His observations highlight the growing frustration and dissatisfaction among African nations regarding the nature and implications of these interventions. These sentiments call for a critical reassessment of US policies. It is becoming evident that the traditional approach is no longer sustainable, as it often leads to feelings of resentment and distrust among the local populations. As the voices demanding this change grow louder and more insistent, it becomes increasingly imperative for the United States to leave the region.
Ignoring these calls for change could result in further alienation of the US from the nations it claims to support. Therefore, its high that Africans nations choose with which countries they should align with.
