The New Geopolitical Landscape of Africa

On December 4, 2025, a historic event unfolded at the marble halls of the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, DC. Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi signed a peace accord, their hands joined by U.S. President Donald Trump amid a backdrop of African leaders, including Angolan President Joao Lourenco and Kenyan President William Ruto. While the atmosphere buzzed with optimism and hope for a new era of cooperation, a more complex narrative was in play, reflecting Africa’s precarious position in the global power struggle.

A Shift in U.S. Policy

The peace accord marked a stark shift in U.S. policy toward Africa, as illustrated in the newly released 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS). No longer seen as a partner for shared development, Africa has been repositioned as a battleground in a larger geopolitical chess game aimed at countering the growing influence of China and Russia. In a document primarily focused on resource competition, less than a single page is dedicated to the continent, emphasizing critical minerals essential to American interests in technology, defense, and energy sectors.

Political analyst Kim Heller, in her commentary for The African, highlighted the militarized nature of this new approach, arguing that security agreements now serve U.S. priorities rather than fostering sustainable solutions tailored to African needs. The Washington Accords, she asserts, are less about fostering genuine diplomacy and more about establishing extractive contracts whereby security assistance is traded for privileged access to vital resources.

Undermining Sovereignty and Unity

The implications of this recalibrated policy are far-reaching, especially regarding African sovereignty. The NSS’s focus on transactional relationships signifies a withdrawal from the language of mutual benefit that previously characterized U.S.-Africa relations. Instead, partnerships are increasingly structured around U.S. interests, creating divides and weakening collective bargaining power among African nations. Critically, Heller warns, a fragmented Africa is easier to control, manipulate, and plunder.

The impact of this policy shift can also be seen in the punitive measures directed at non-compliant states. The U.S. boycott of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, along with the exclusion of South Africa from related discussions in Washington, exemplify the economic and diplomatic pressures employed to enforce alignment with American interests.

Flashpoints in the Sahel

These strategic maneuvers have made the Sahel region a focal point in this new geopolitical landscape. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have expelled Western military forces, opting instead for partnerships with Russia. In response, the U.S. has deepened military relationships with nations such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire and is considering establishing additional bases in the region. This pivot towards East Africa includes bolstering security alliances with Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, all in the name of countering the influence of China and Gulf states.

However, the long-term effectiveness of U.S. military engagement in the region remains contentious. Heller argues that increased militarization has often exacerbated existing cycles of violence rather than providing lasting security or political stability.

Echoes of Colonialism

For many Africans, the evolving U.S. strategy elicits uncomfortable historical parallels. Heller articulates this sentiment, describing it as a modern form of colonialism where Africa serves as a pawn in global power dynamics. She advocates for revitalizing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and strengthening the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasizing that unity and a collective strategy are vital for reclaiming sovereignty.

South Africa: Land Reform and Justice

Amid this backdrop, South Africa grapples with its own complex challenges, particularly regarding land reform. On December 19, 2025, Deputy President Paul Mashatile addressed a significant gathering, reaffirming the government’s commitment to push forward with land expropriation to address historical injustices. He framed this endeavor as a “moral, constitutional, and economic imperative,” emphasizing the importance of transforming the economy and reducing inequality.

Mashatile’s remarks come in a politically charged environment, influenced by lobbying efforts from organizations like AfriForum, which accuse the South African government of targeting minority communities, particularly white farmers. The government has consistently rejected these claims, arguing they are misleading and harmful.

A pivotal element of this debate is the Expropriation Act of January 2025, which allows for expropriation without compensation under specified conditions, particularly concerning land unjustly acquired. Mashatile insists this law is restorative rather than punitive, encapsulating Nelson Mandela’s belief that “land rights are essential to genuine freedom.” He highlighted the staggering legacy of colonial rule and apartheid that left Black South Africans with a mere fraction of their ancestral land.

The Economic Imperative of Land Reform

In his address, Mashatile noted that since 1994, approximately 19.3 million hectares have been redistributed, yet white ownership still dominates private farmland at 72%, according to the 2017 Land Audit. He pointed out that while legal disputes and resistance have created delays in reforms, the goal of land reform is not only about property rights but also about creating opportunities, restoring dignity, and building a legacy for future generations.

Mashatile underscored the critical importance of agricultural productivity, arguing that mere ownership of land without the capacity to cultivate it does not lead to meaningful change. Government initiatives aim to ensure that beneficiaries actively participate in agriculture, tying economic success to food security and the overall growth of the nation.

Reflecting on the Future

As Africa contends with increasing external pressures and internal divisions, the pathways to unity, sovereignty, and self-determined prosperity are more crucial than ever. The challenges are significant, yet the potential for resilience and renewal remains. With the world watching closely, the continent’s journey ahead will not only shape its future but also that of generations to come.