Africa at a Crossroads After Alaska Summit: Between Autonomy and Dependency

By Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha

The recent summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska has reshaped global geopolitics in ways that could reverberate far beyond Europe and Asia. Africa, already navigating fragile security landscapes and developmental challenges, now faces fresh uncertainties as global powers recalibrate their strategies. For African nations, the meeting’s implications are more than distant diplomatic maneuvers. The choices made in Washington and Moscow influence aid flows, investment opportunities, security partnerships, and the continent’s role in multilateral institutions. With both the U.S. and Russia intensifying their engagement in Africa—albeit through different means—the continent risks becoming a renewed arena of great-power competition. A Renewed Struggle for Influence The Alaska summit raises the prospect of either heightened rivalry or cautious cooperation between Washington and Moscow over Africa. Russia has expanded its footprint through military ties, private contractors, and resource-driven deals in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. These partnerships, while offering immediate security assistance, often spark concerns about governance, sovereignty, and long-term stability. The U.S., meanwhile, has traditionally emphasized counterterrorism, governance reforms, and trade. A shift in Washington’s global posture—either towards deeper engagement or disengagement—could determine whether Africa benefits from renewed investment in health systems, infrastructure, and democratic institutions, or faces declining support at a critical time. Security Vacuums and Russian Opportunism With France’s influence waning in the Sahel and Washington signaling elements of retrenchment, Moscow appears poised to fill security gaps. Its model of offering military support in exchange for access to natural resources has gained traction, though often at the cost of transparency and democratic accountability. Should Western focus on Ukraine diminish, Russia may redirect even greater resources to Africa, reinforcing its influence in fragile states and resource-rich economies alike.

Dr.Lang Fafa Dampha Economic and Diplomatic Fallout The Alaska summit could also shape Africa’s economic trajectory. A thaw in U.S.-Russia tensions may relieve some pressure on African states forced to “choose sides,” giving them more diplomatic flexibility. It could also ease global grain markets, stabilizing food supplies for nations heavily dependent on wheat and fertilizer imports from Russia and Ukraine. Yet, the risks are considerable. Reduced Western pressure on authoritarian regimes could embolden leaders resistant to democratic reforms. Meanwhile, if the U.S. shifts attention away from Africa, critical areas such as healthcare, climate resilience, and education may face funding shortfalls—stalling progress on sustainable development goals. The Risk of Marginalisation As global powers redraw their strategies, Africa faces the danger of being treated as a peripheral player rather than an active stakeholder. Mounting debt, climate shocks, migration pressures, and recurring coups already strain many African governments. Increased reliance on Russia or China for relief may solve short-term crises while deepening long-term dependency. A Moment for African Agency Despite these risks, the Alaska summit presents an opportunity for Africa to redefine its role in global affairs. Strong states such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Algeria—along with the African Union—can seize this moment to demand greater inclusion in global governance, from climate negotiations to trade rules and security frameworks. By strengthening continental unity and prioritizing sovereignty, transparency, and accountable governance, Africa can resist being drawn into proxy rivalries. Instead, it can leverage a multipolar world order to negotiate partnerships on more equitable terms. Conclusion: The Burden of Leadership The Alaska summit underscores a central truth: Africa’s future will not be determined solely by decisions in Washington, Moscow, or Beijing, but by the resolve and vision of African leaders themselves. The continent now stands at a crossroads. Choices made in the coming years—between dependency and autonomy, between short-term deals and long-term reforms—will define whether Africa remains a stage for external rivalries or emerges as a confident actor in its own right. The stakes could not be higher. Without decisive leadership rooted in unity, integrity, and foresight, Africa risks perpetuating cycles of instability and exploitation. But with strategic vision and strong institutions, this moment of global realignment could mark the beginning of a new chapter—one in which Africa asserts, rather than defends, its place in the world.