Why Africa May Prefer Kamala Harris: A Comparative Analysis

EMMANUEL PETER ADAYEHI, PhD

Introduction

The United States presidential election has far-reaching implications for Africa. This analysis argues that Africa would prefer Kamala Harris as President, citing five key reasons: foreign policy, conflict resolution, democracy promotion, economic development, and security cooperation.

Foreign Policy and Migration: A Welcoming Approach

A Harris administration would likely maintain an open-door policy, increasing opportunities for Africans to migrate to Europe and America (Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, 2020). In contrast, Trump’s restrictive immigration policies have limited African migration (Department of Homeland Security, 2020).

Conflict Resolution and War: Diplomacy Over Intervention

Democrats, led by Harris, prioritize diplomacy and international cooperation, reducing the likelihood of military interventions in conflict zones like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali (Council on Foreign Relations, 2020). Republicans, under Trump, have shown a willingness to engage in military conflicts, potentially destabilizing these regions (Cordesman, 2020).

Democracy Promotion: Cooperation Over Imposition

While Republicans emphasize democracy promotion, even at the cost of intervention, Democrats like Harris adopt a more nuanced approach, respecting African nations’ sovereignty and prioritizing cooperation over imposition (National Democratic Institute, 2020).

Economic Development and Aid: Supporting African Growth

A Harris administration would likely increase loan facilities, aid, and exchange programs, supporting African economic development and reducing inflation (USAID, 2020). Democrats have historically prioritized foreign aid and development assistance, benefiting African countries (Congressional Research Service, 2020).

Security Cooperation and Military Training: Enhancing Stability

Harris’s leadership would likely enhance professional military training programs and advanced security cooperation, reducing conflicts and the need for US military deployment in Africa (Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2020).

Conclusion

Africa would prefer Kamala Harris as President due to her Democratic administration’s emphasis on diplomacy, cooperation, and development. This approach aligns with African nations’ interests in promoting peace, stability, and economic growth.

References

Africa Center for Strategic Studies. (2020). Africa’s Security Landscape.

Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. (2020). Migration and Refugee Assistance.

Congressional Research Service. (2020). Foreign Aid: An Introductory Overview.

Cordesman, A. H. (2020). The US Strategy in Africa.

Council on Foreign Relations. (2020). The Future of US Africa Policy.

Department of Homeland Security. (2020). Immigration Data and Statistics.

National Democratic Institute. (2020). Democracy Promotion and the US Role.

USAID. (2020). Africa: Regional Overview.